Windows on Ursuline Life

Being Present

2012-01-24T16:30:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've written an entry and I apologize to our readers for the delay.

As I sit here and think about what has been going on in my Ursuline life, I realize that right now there has been a lot of medical concerns. One of our sisters had double knee replacement. Another sister had a melanoma removed and we are still awaiting the results. Plus a third sister is suffering from severe loss of memory and mobility. Well it's been a bit of challenge and sad, I also realize that God is calling me to be with those in pain.

I'm a real problem-solver and task-oriented person. I want to figure things out and take care of them all right away. But with these sisters and their medical issues, I am unable to do anything but pray, be present to my sisters, listen to their concerns and remind them of God' s love and care along with mine too.

It has been a real humbling experience to just have to be with them in their pain. I'm going to have to keep sitting with it and see what lessons God is trying to teach me. Instead of running to take care of the situation, I have to just be with it.

Where in your life do you find you just have to be and not do?

Jeannie Humphries, osu

Being with other women religious/sisters/nuns

2012-01-13T17:23:00.001-05:00

Here it is the start of Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend. For the past ten years or so, I've attended Giving Voice's Retreat for Women Religious in their 20s and 30s. We met in Florida a few times and the moved to meeting in Arizona. It has been a wonderful experience for me. I've met so many peer sisters who I can truly relate to and have fun with. Plus I get to share with them this mysterious thing called a call to religious life. It's hard to make sense of it at times; but being with others who also feel called helps. I am unable to attend this year since I turned 40 in May 2011. I am too old for this gathering and let me tell you being too old for something in the nun world is a new experience for me. I'm usually one of the youngest or the youngest at a gathering. But now with Giving Voice-instead there I'm either in the middle of the age group or too old!! Amen!!

This weekend once again a group will be gathering in Arizona for prayer, reflection, sharing and hang out time. I'm so jealous and wish I could be there. I just texted Jessi, a Presentation Sister to tell her to have fun and that I miss her already. But it is not my time to be there.

Instead my friend Susan, a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace who is just a little younger than me and I will be going to New Orleans to celebrate her perpetual profession of vows and share some bonding time. We both realized that this Giving Voice gatherings are so important and wanted to keep getting together. This weekend will be fun.

New Orleans is where the first Ursulines went to in the United States and there is so much history of our congregation there. We will be staying at one local living community with 2 of my Ursuline Sisters and visiting another community connected to Our Lady of Prompt Succor shrine. So I will see some of my nuns. Yeah!!

Also I will get a chance to visit with my former principal boss from St. Philip Neri School in the Bronx, Brother John Casey, a member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers.

It will be a weekend of renewing relationships. Thank God for friends to share the journey of life with me.

Jeannie Humphries, osu

Praying Together

2012-01-07T07:10:00.003-05:00

Here it is 7 am on a Saturday morning. I'm up and getting ready to hit the shower so I can start my day.

Today is filled with two different prayer gatherings. First, I'm going to be co-hosting and attending a retreat day for young alumnae from the classes of 2000-2011 from the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula. We have about 60 young woman say they are attending. GREAT!! We've had two other retreats and they have been so meaningful. What the young woman share and how they pray and are so open to God's Spirit truly inspires me!! I am so looking forward to today. I'm proud of our woman graduates from AMSU and count myself blessed to be one of them. This event is from 10am-3pm in the Bronx.

Then from 4pm-7pm or so, I'll be with different Ursuline Sisters (many from the former St. Angela's community in the Bronx and one that I lived with and ministered with in Malone, NY) and we will share some prayer and conversation time together. It's a form of faith sharing-we'll listen to some songs, poetry and the Word of God together. Then we'll each take some to reflect individually and come back and share our insights. I'm really looking forward to this time together. It makes me feel connected to Angela, my sisters and God! The experience truly reminds me of why I entered religious community.

I hope all my readers have a nice day. What do you have planned for this Saturday? How do you enrich your soul? Prayers and blessings to all of you!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Ending 2011

2011-12-30T09:47:00.000-05:00

Apologies to all for not getting online and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!! Belated wishes!!

I hope everyone had a great day with family, friends, Santa and Jesus!!

I was fortunate to share the time with friends who are family to me and community members. Plus I've had some R & R-both time to relax and re-create which I so needed!! Amen!

I can't believe that tomorrow will be the last day of 2011!! Wow!! This year really flew by.

Taking the time today and tomorrow to think over the past year. I'm proud of my accomplishments-my dissertation proposal was accepted and approved, took better care of my health (both physical and mental), and energized my personal prayer time!!
I'm also proud of what my Ursuline sisters have done as a group-got more involved in working to help those victims of human trafficking, took some stands on immigration, made decisions about our community and province life promoting ministerial works, and there has been a resurgence of energy and work about vocations to our Ursuline way of life. Check out our Vocation Blog-Back lit with Joy and read more about Ursuline life!!

My life surely has its challenges just like everyone's else's but I do have to admit I feel blessed and fortunate to be connected to so many great Ursuline women.

Prayers and blessings to all at the end of 2011!

More Good News to come in 2012!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Being with a piece of the Christmas manger

2011-12-20T09:40:00.001-05:00

Currently, I live in NYC in an intercommunity women religious convent. (This means I live with many different sisters from other orders, not just Ursulines) There is a wonderful Advent/Christmas tradition here that I really enjoy.

At the start of Advent, the Christmas stable is taken out of its box. All of the figurines are wrapped in tissue paper and placed in a big basket. Each sister is invited to reach in the basket and take a wrapped figurine. Then we are encouraged to pray with that figurine throughout Advent.

People will be picking one of the wise men, a sheep, a camel, Mary, the infant Jesus or any of the other creatures that grace the Christmas manager scene. Then we pick a date close to Christmas and share about our journey with the Christmas figurine. That is what we did last night. I loved it!!

Listening to other sisters talk about how a shepherd reminded them of the need to look out for the lost and forsaken, the camel who keeps plodding straight ahead to Jesus reminds one to keep on plugging away with school and work, and Joseph helps someone accept things that are not always clearly understood. It was a very touching experience for me.

Then we shared in tree decorating and some yummy Red Velvet cupcakes. It sure was a great way to spend a couple of hours together. This type of night reminds me of why I entered religious life and community.

Thank you to Pat, a Sister of St. Agnes who introduced that tradition here!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Christmas

2011-12-15T09:24:00.002-05:00

On Monday, I attended with two of our sisters-Ann Peterson, osu and Maureen Welch, osu the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. It was wonderful to see the Rockettes, all the dancing, creativity and signing. It really put me into the Christmas spirit.

One piece that really stuck out for me was the Living Nativity Scene with the actual live camels, donkeys, sheep. Wow!! To see that in the middle of NYC on a stage-so amazing!! However, I was even more touched when I realize it all comes back to the birth of a baby. How precious!!

Joy to the World was sung during the scene and I left humming it. I also left thinking that if the show could mainly focus on Christmas, then I need to get moving and really do that too. I have become overly respectful of other's holidays which is good. But I need to be more proactive and open about my beliefs-so I need to start uttering Merry Christmas and talking about the birth of Jesus!!!

Thank you Radio City for reminding me of my faith!!

Sr. Jeannie

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

2011-12-07T22:09:00.001-05:00

We celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a day on which we honor Mary a true model of holiness. It is a feast that confuses many. The real meaning of the day is the celebration of the reality that Mary was conceived without original sin. It is a holy day of obligation as it is the Patronal Feast day of the United States. As I thought about this day I was struck by the Gospel reading for our liturgy.

Gospel Luke 1:26-38

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

Mary's yes calls me to look at my own"Yes" to what I am called to do and to always remember that, "nothing is impossible for God."

What are you being called to this Advent?

Sr. Pat

Waiting

2011-12-07T07:18:00.001-05:00

Advent is all about waiting in hope for the birth of Jesus.   I realize I'm not good at waiting; I want everything right away which I guess is part of the world today with IPADs, Droids and all other technology available to us.

Waiting requires patience and trust. Those are two areas in my life that I need to work on- especially among myself-I need to patient with my ideas and trust in myself more.

Everywhere I turn in prayer, the idea of waiting turns up. I've been praying since Thanksgiving with John O Donohue's poem For the Interim Time and the lines-And it is difficult and slow to become new keep speaking to me.

Plus I read a litle story about a second grader stating he wanted to be possible when he grew up because right now in his life his mom always says he is impossible.

I need to spend time thinking of what is possible in my life.

What is possible in your life right now?

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Advent

2011-11-30T19:31:00.001-05:00

We are now in the liturgical season of Advent-we are waiting in joyful expectation for the birth of Jesus. During this time of our Church year, one can find various reflection booklets both in print and on the web. I find it so helpful to read some of these throughout the day and take a few minutes to ponder and pray.

Today's Scriptures refers to Simon who was called Peter and his brother Andrew. This phrase immediately reminds me of loved family members-older brother Andrew and his 6 month old baby brother Peter. The naming tradition continues.

The Gospel reading tells us that Simon Peter and Andrew were fishermen and Jesus invited them to follow him and become fishers of people. That image speaks so much to me-it is clear to me that we need to gather with others and share our life and love of God. I laugh thinking that I, a Bronx girl, understands a fishing analogy considering I only once went fishing out on City Island and all I remember is getting a horrible sunburn.

Prayers and Blessings to all this Advent season.

Sr. Jeannie

What is Life?

2011-11-26T15:31:00.001-05:00

“Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is a beauty, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is life, fight for it!”

--------------Mother Teresa

2011-11-22T06:23:00.003-05:00

The following quote was sent to me by my boss as part of his Thanksgiving greetings:

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."
- Albert Schweitzer

Today as a way to prepare myself for Thanksgiving, I am going to reflect and try to list the people who have lighted that flame within me and pray to and for them. Perhaps you too can think of the people who have lighted the flame within you!! Best wishes. Thank God for people who keep lighting the flame that gives me the energy to keep going on!! Amen.

Sr. Jeannie, osu

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Visits Our School

2011-11-15T20:16:00.002-05:00

Today was one of those days at school that I can only describe as incredible and uplifting!

Leymah Gbowee arrived at our school at 9:30 am and the school was on fire with anticipation and excitement. Everyone was wearing their brand new white "women for peace" tee shirts which were distributed upon arrival. The message she gave the students was to "decide what you want to be and give it your best!"

As she spoke she did so in a gentle yet powerful manner. She assured the seniors and challenged them at the same time. Leymah cautioned them that "in the university of life, some may get misguided. . . Wherever your journey takes you, you don't leave a legacy by lying down when you fall, but by your ability to get up and stand tall."

My seventh grade class loved it when she told them: "You still have a long way to go. You can decide if you want to be Beyonce or Hillary Clinton. Follow your dream."

Leymah shared that she has more responsibility now that she has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and will continue to work for women's rights and peace. She encouraged the students to become leaders and change the world as they can.

As she spoke there were resounding cheers often. One of my students commented that they were impressed that she spoke to them about their concerns and answered their questions candidly and without hesitation.

One of our sisters shared the following link with me as Leymah was on "The Daily Show" last evening with Jon Stewart. I share the link with you and hope you enjoy it: http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/mon-november-14-2011-leymah-gbowee. Also if you have the opportunity to view "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" you can see her story.

Today was a wonderful day and one that will be remembered for a very long time!

Sr. Pat Schifini, OSU

Learning to Look

2011-11-14T10:26:00.000-05:00

Students at my school, Cooke Center for Learning and Development, are exposed to a wonderful program from the Metropolitan Museum of Art titled Learning to Look. Students are shown numerous slides of paintings and taught how to look at them with fresh eyes. They are taught to look at details, color, expressions etc. Today is our first day of this program for the new school year of 2011-2012. This morning in my prayer, the words Learning to Look flashed through my mind. It made me realize that it would be good for me to learn to look at people, situations and life with fresh eyes too. What do you need to learn to look at it differently?

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Songcatchers

2011-11-07T09:44:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I spent some of the day at a brunch in New Rochelle, NY. The brunch was for an organization titled Songcatchers that one of our sisters Sr. Beth Dowd, osu founded and currently runs.

Songcatchers is mainly a music program that provides low cost music lessons for children. The program is mainly managed by a host of volunteers. High school and college students provide lessons to younger school aged children. Professional musicians mentor the "teachers". Songcatchers also has an early childhood music program for toddlers. There is a week-long camp program where the child sing daily and prepare for a musical production at the end. Also Songcatchers is an intergenerational choir who sings for peace at various concerts throughout the year. One of our blog writer's Sr. Pat Schifini, osu sings with choir at times.

During yesterday's brunch we were treated to singing from the choir, singing from New Rochelle Opera Company, piano, flute and violin playing, a mini concert from the Soundettes, another musical group, great accolades to honorees who support music program and some wonderful smiles from all who were present.

It was an uplifting time. Joy was definitely present. Check out www.songcatchers.org for more information about this great organization.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Angela's Words

2011-11-03T18:28:00.003-04:00

Today was one of those trying days for me. As I was struggling to keep my patience with some people I was finding difficult to talk to and with, the following words of Angela kept coming to mind:

You will accomplish more by kind words and a courteous manner than by anger or sharp rebuke, which should never be used except in necessity.

Beware of trying to accomplish anything by force.

I must remember that and treat all with respect and gentleness.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Rachel's Challenge

2011-10-25T10:26:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the Rachel's Challenge presentation at my school. The experience of being present with my students at The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, NY for this presentation was incredible. In the afternoon I was also present at the beginning of our FOR -- Friends of Rachel -- Club. The enthusiasm of the 50 young women gathered together was palpable as they were trained and then invited to come up with ideas for how we can continue to implement what was learned at the earlier presentations. These students were recommended by faculty members and counselors and then were selected by the administration to begin this club. The students are already planning their first project to increase awareness and kindness.

From rural New York to Westchester County I believe that the chain reaction has begun and will continue to grow. May all be inspired by the beauty and tenacity of Rachel Joy Scott's life. She was not afraid to stand up for those who had no voice and she encourages up to do the same.

If you want more information on Rachel's Challenge you can visit: www.rachelschallenge.org. On this website you will find a great deal of information as well as DVD clips to view.

Have a great day and remember to be the change you wish to see!

Sr. Pat

Start a Chain Reaction

2011-10-18T17:16:00.003-04:00

For 4 years, I lived and worked in Malone, New York. That is a small rural town near the border of Cornwall, Canada. It was a wonderful experience-one that changed my life. Being up there and working in the public school system at Flanders Elementary as a reading specialist for grades 3, 4 and 5 convinced me that working in the education field should be my life-long ministry. I made many good friend sand have great memories. Today, thanks to the wonderful world of Facebook, I found out about a spectacular event the Malone Central School District did. I am so impressed and love their sense of community. I miss the place, the people and the spirit tremendously.

Malone Central School district has adopted Rachel’s Challenge to stand up against bullying. They also co-named their program Karen’s Hope after a school counselor died tragically. Karen was instrumental in bringing Rachel’s Challenge to Malone and dedicated her life to children. Today 10/18/11- all members of the school community made a human chain against bullying. This human chain went down a long stretch of the Main Street in town. Many people including parents, teachers, principals, village police, state police, the fire department, town officials, correction officers and community members came out to lend a hand. Also people drove through Main Street beeping their horns. According to my many friends, it was AMAZING!!!

"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same." ♥ ♥ ♥ - Rachel Scott

RIP Karen, you are greatly missed! Please continue watching over Malone’s children!!!!!

Sr. Jeannie

The Pursuit of Happiness

2011-10-17T18:06:00.003-04:00

This morning, I spent some time at the College of New Rochelle serving on the Ursuline panel discussing the Pursuit of Happiness. CNR has a great Ursuline heritage and legacy. Today, the freshman seminar was dealing with Ursulines and their perspective of happiness. Six different Ursulines: Sr. Martha Counihan, Sr. Alice Bouchard, Sr. Ann Therese Dillen, Sr. Beth Dowd, Sr. Ann Marie Kelleher and myself all shared about our experiences.

I shared a visual of a thermometer because I believe happiness is in the middle temperature part of our lives. At times we have higher temperatures of joy, delight, glee and excitement and at other times, we have lower temperatures of frustration, sadness, sorrow and even depression. But it is how we handle those times that shows us our true happiness.

My life as an Ursuline is mainly a happy one; but it is still life with its ups and downs. I thought by entering the convent some pains might go away. But that is definitely not true. Sadness is part of this life too. But the relationships I have with God, Angela, Ursuline sisters, my ministries and my friends and family are what allow me to be happy. Therefore I must spend time cultivating those relationships.
What makes you happy?

Sr. Jeannie

Inspiration from Angela

2011-10-13T09:14:00.003-04:00

Today, I was reminded of these words of St. Angela,

Do Something…Get Moving… Be Confident… Risk new things… Stick with it… Get on your knees…Then be ready for Big Surprises!

I needed that to help me get energized for a day of ministry and life in general.

Angela- please help me to be able to stick with the work that needs to get done!!!

Sr. Jeannie

Friendship

2011-10-10T12:18:00.002-04:00

Today is my friend Helene's birthday. I met her as a young child playing in our neighborhood park. So we say to people-we've known each other since we were four. People area always amazed by that. However, I have to admit I've known many of my friends since grammar school at St. Philip Neri and added others on since high school at the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula. Maybe it's from being born and raised in the Bronx- a great place to grow up in my opinion.

This weekend has been birthday celebrations with some of these friends-Friday, I met Kathy for dinner- I've known her since High school and then on Saturday we went to a suprise party for Tracey's 40th- another friend from high school!! See the recurring theme!!

I am also blessed with friendships from other parts of my life-College at the College of New Rochelle, Graduate School at Fordham University, Teaching at Flanders Elementary School in Malone, NY and many friends I've met through other friends and nun friends I've met through Giving Voice. Thank God for these many opportunities!!!

I am so grateful for my friendships-both the "old" and the "new". Just like the song I learned in Girls Scouts so long ago- Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other is gold.

Sr. Jeannie

Feast of St. Francis

2011-10-04T19:50:00.003-04:00

Today, October 4th we celebrate one of my favorite Saints -- Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was born in Assisi in 1182. After a carefree youth, he renounced his wealth and committed himself to God. He led a life of evangelical poverty and preached the love of God to all. Francis is known to many as a lover of the poor and caretaker of animals. His appeal has lasted over time and many have sought to follow his example.

We received and invitation from the LCWR to sign the St. Francis Pledge to Protect Creation and the Poor. I share with you the information as it was very exciting to watch the students and faculty of my school take the pledge today. If you are so inspired signing the pledge is a wonderful way to honor this great saint.

All across our country, Catholics are taking the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor and joining the Catholic Climate Covenant. The St. Francis Pledge is a promise and a commitment by Catholic individuals,families, parishes, organizations and institutions to live our faith by protecting God’s Creation and advocating on behalf of people in poverty who face the harshest impacts of global climate change. To join the Covenant,you commit to act on each of the five elements of the St. Francis Pledge and register your Pledge at www.CatholicClimateCovenant.org.

I/We Pledge to:
❑ PRAY and reflect on the duty to care for God’s Creation and protect the poor and vulnerable.
❑ LEARN about and educate others on the causes and moral dimensions of climate change.
❑ ASSESS how we—as individuals and in our families, parishes and other affiliations—contribute to climate
change by our own energy use, consumption, waste, etc.
❑ ACT to change our choices and behaviors to reduce the ways we contribute to climate change.
❑ ADVOCATE for Catholic principles and priorities in climate change discussions and decisions, especially as they impact those who are poor and vulnerable.

May peace reign in our homes, our hearts and our universe!

Sr. Pat

Change and Investment

2011-10-03T08:10:00.003-04:00

This Saturday, we had a meeting of 4 of our School Board and administration teams to discuss how we as Ursulines will continue to sponsor our schools in the future and what administrators feel is needed at this time. Present at the meeting were representatives of Ursuline Academy, Dedham, Massachusetts Academy of Mt. St. Ursula, the Bronx, New York, The Ursuline School, New Rochelle, NY and Ursuline Academy, Wilmington, Delaware. It was a good meeting. It is nice to know that we want our Ursuline legacy and heritage to continue in the future. But we also want to keep faithful to Angela's words of "If according to times and circumstances, it is necessary to make changes, then do so with prudence and good advice."

On Sunday, I then gathered with some of my sisters who formed the St. Angela's Community in the Bronx for over 25 years. We met and shared about what was going on in our lives and prayed together. We talked about how we sometimes have to change the degree of investment we put into a ministry or community situation depending on what else is happening in our life at the time. I was left thinking - Where should my main investment be right now? That is going to be my prayer focus this week.

Jeannie Humphries, osu

Loving Books

2011-09-22T22:09:00.003-04:00

"Few children learn to love books by themselves. Someone has to lure them into the wonderful world of the written word; someone has to show them the way."
- Orville Prescott, New York Times critic.

Kindness

2011-09-12T21:32:00.003-04:00

May all the seeds of kindness that you spread along the way return to you and multiply.I think I'm going to try to remember this and use it as my personal mantra each day.

Sr. Jeannie

The Start of A New School Year

2011-09-12T21:25:00.002-04:00

Well it's back to the regular routine for me! I have to admit I am looking forward to getting back to structure and normalcy. I find that I work best when I do that. However I am not looking forward to being so busy with teaching, dissertation writing, supervising teachers and planning curriculum and just plain life. But that is my reality now so I must accept it.

Today Cooke Center for Learning and Development's Lower School had their first full day. It was wonderful to see. The teachers did such a great job planning such engaging activities for all the students. The students behaved well and stayed involved with learning the routine and procedures. I feel so fortunate to be with such excellent educators.

After work, I meet a fellow classmate from my grammar school and high school years. I don't know the last time we spent time chatting. She now lives in California and is involved in media and movie work. We reconnected thanks to Facebook. She looked good and seemed happy. I wonder what her impression of me was.

She reminded me of my happy school years. I hope this year will be a good school year for many students and teachers around the world!!

Sr. Jeannie

Apologies

2011-09-12T21:24:00.001-04:00

It has been about 6 weeks since my last post and that is not good. I apologize to my readers. Quite honestly, I really have no excuse. I just wasn't being faithful to writing. I promise now to be better at it.

Sr. Jeannie

Retreat in Chicago

2011-07-28T20:57:00.003-04:00

When our chapter in St. Louis ended, I drove to the Chicago Cenacle Retreat House to begin retreat. The Cenacle Sisters are trained in spiritual direction and retreat work. Cenacle also refers to the Upper Room where people gathered with Jesus for the Last Supper.

This particular retreat house in Chicago is in a wonderful location. It is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and in walking distance of so many great places. First of all, there are many restaurants, shops, a movie theator, bookstores, and coffee shops near there. Plus it is in walking distance of Lake Michigan, a little beach area, the Lincoln Park Zoo, a Nature Museum and a Conservatory. I truly was able to get outside and walk every day. I felt so alive and really connected to God, creation, and the human race.

Each day, i met with a Cenacle sister to talk over my prayer. She asked wonderful questions: How do you receive love? What sense of wonder do you feel and experience each day? I spent time reflecting on these each day and still am praying with these questions. Perhaps you too could spend some time thinking about them too.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T09:43:00.002-04:00

Wishing everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July. Let us always be thankful for the great land we live in. May God always bless America.

Sr. Pat

Risk -Taking

2011-06-27T20:59:00.002-04:00

“To love means loving the unlovable.
To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable.
Faith means believing the unbelievable.
Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.”

“To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To hope is to risk pain.
To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken
because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.”

G.K. Chesterton

Awards Assembly/Essay Contests/Moving Up Cermonies

2011-06-20T09:45:00.002-04:00

Here in New York, schools have either just finished or are in the process of completing their school year. That means students are being recognized for their many accomplishments throughout the school year. Teachers are thinking about each child and their class as they come up with names for awards and ways to recognize students.

I keep being reminded of Angela's words:

Have engraved on your mind and heart all your dear daughters, one by one; not only their names, but also their conditions, and character, and their every situation and state. Have them depicted individually in your memory and in your heart.

Of course, Angela said daughters because she was referring to those women in her company; but I believe we can take daughters and substitute students, sisters, brothers, parishioners, or any creation that we are connected to in this world.

Respect for others and connection to others are an important part of Angela's legacy to us.

Thank you Angela, and help us share your wisdom with others.

Sr. Jeannie

Happy Pentecost!

2011-06-12T08:53:00.004-04:00

Happy Pentecost! Today we celebrate the wonderful feast of the coming of the Holy Spirit! St. Luke gives us a dramatic picture of this event: "The Spirit came upon the apostles with a strong driving wind and with tongues as of fire." (Acts 2:2-3)

Today we celebrate the "Birthday of the Church!" The apostles were hiding behind locked doors. That was their comfort zone. And in there, they felt safe, secure and supported. Jesus appeared to them there and his first message was "Peace" and then he gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit. The apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages. The gift of the Holy Spirit transforms them then and there, from being cowards to being courageous. And we know the story; they went out to proclaiming the message of the gospel, to all people in their own language according to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Since the event of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is continuously acting more actively in the world, in each believer and in the Church. The same Holy Spirit is dwelling within each one of us today, empowering us and encouraging us to get out of our comfort zones and proclaim the message of peace to all people. When you go out today just give a genuine smile to a stranger you meet along the way. This is the message of Pentecost to embrace the Holy Spirit, to open ourselves to become the temple of the Holy Spirit, where peace, love and joy reside. May peace fill our hearts, our homes and our universe.

Sr. Pat

Celebrating a wonderful life!

2011-06-06T19:56:00.002-04:00

Today we celebrated the life of Sr. Agnes Neville formerly known as Sr. Bernadette who died peacefully on June 2nd. Agnes had a long life of 84 years and touched so many hearts along the way. She was a teacher, principal, community superior, tutor, and teacher assistant. Besides being a wise teacher throughout her career she was also known for her unique sense of humor. She loved the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins.

For the past few days at school we have shared with one another our love for and stories about Agnes. She was a truly gentle soul who touched all who came in contact with her. Agnes loved her students, her co-workers, her friends and her beloved brother Joseph. Joe was the main celebrant at her funeral today. People came from far and near to celebrate the life of this wonderful woman.

One of the most touching memories that was shared with all of us was when Agnes was told she would need to move on the Andrus Nursing Home. Her response was one that mirrored how she lived her life. She said, "Tell God, I say yes!" What an inspirational response and one that we can all take a lesson from.

Agnes, as you enjoy eternal life, look down on us and give us the encouragement we need to face the big decisions as graciously as you did. May the angels lead you into paradise and the marytrs welcome you home! We love you and we thank you!

Sr. Pat

Angela 's Words

2011-05-24T08:00:00.003-04:00

"Strive to be faithful to that which God has called you."
Angela Merici

Weather

2011-05-19T11:17:00.002-04:00

For the past three days, it has been raining on and off in New York City. Yesterday, on my way home as I was walking toward the 1 subway, there was a major downpour of water. My pants, shoes, and socks were drenched very quickly. My back pack also got soaked and so did the papers inside. This morning the papers and notebook were still wet and yucky. At first, I got so upset.

However, as I prayed and reflected this morning, I realize that yes while having wet papers and notebooks is a drag, it is a small inconvenience compared to what others are experiencing with weather conditions lately. Mississippi is experiencing major flood. Texas and New Mexico are in a drought. Alabama has suffered a tornado. Many people are being affected in major ways.

I pray for all people suffering any disruptions and calamities due to weather conditions.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Years in Life & Life in Years

2011-05-11T11:29:00.000-04:00

My 40th birthday is coming up in a few days. I have very mixed feelings about. Part of me thinks it doesn't matter; while another part thinks it is a really big deal.

Yestedday, I received a birthday card from a friend, Sr. Ann Peterson, osu. The card says:

In the end,

it's not the years

in your life

that count.

It's the life

in your years.

By: Abe Lincoln

I am so struck by that message and realize that I need to start living my years and not accumulating them. Life is a gift that we must treasure and foster. I'm going to begin today by taking time to get ourdoors and enjoy the fresh air that God so willingly shares with us.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T10:08:00.003-04:00

Today is a special day during which we say Thank You to our mothers for their love, dedication and concern for us. Prayers and blessings to all mom and all women who provide some mothering to any of God's creation.

We are an Easter People and HOPE is our legacy!!

2011-05-04T11:47:00.005-04:00

Lord, you invite us to a conversion to hope.

Even in the midst of our own despair,

You call us to become signs of hope in a

world of sin and suffering.

Help us to be open to the gifts you give us so freely.

Help us cultivate and nurture the seeds of hope within

ourselves, our families, and our communities.

Let us celebrate the growth of hope,

no matter how fragile a seedling it may be.

We trust in You to guide us as we turn

towards the building of the Kingdom of God

in the hope and the joy that is the

ground of our faith.

AMEN.

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T09:04:00.003-04:00

"This is the day that the Lord had made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it!"

Happy Easter! May the Risen Christ enliven in us a spirit of hope and joy!

Sr. Pat & Sr. Jeannie

Holy Saturday

2011-04-23T13:29:00.002-04:00

On Holy Saturday we pause and reflect as we wait at the Lord's tomb for his resurrection. As I prayed on this cloudy, rainy, dreary day I found comfort in this poem by Carlyy Houselander. I share it with you for your reflection.

Holy Saturday

Mary, Mother of God,
receiving the dead body of Jesus Christ your Son
taken down from his cross and laid in your arms,
receive us,
to whom He had given His life,
and lay us with Him
and in Him
upon your sinless heart.

We are sinners, but save us from despondency
and despair.
Save us from morbidity which kills the soul,
Save us from dewlling on the past.
Take our heads into your hands and turn them gently to look upon the light of God.
Let us feel the warmth and radiance of that healing sun,
although we are still too weak to bear the balze of its glory.

By the dead by of Christ laid in your arms, save us from the death of sin.
Ask our Heavenly Father, whose will is your will, to restore us to life, to Christ's life in our souls,
so that in each one of us you may see your only child, the Child Jesus, and given us the heaven
of your tender love.

By the passion and death of your only Son, give us His Life.
Make us new, give us the trust of children, give us the childhood of Christ.
Grant to us, Virgin Mother, a new heaven and a new earth, because we see with His eyes,
hear with His ears, work with His hand, walk on His feet, trust with His trust in His Heavenly
Father, and love with His heart.

Peace,
Sr. Pat

Holy Week

2011-04-18T11:34:00.003-04:00

I used to teach fourth grade at St. Philip Neri in the Bronx. Plus I also taught 5th grade boys and 6th grade girls at St. Ignatius in Hunts Point. Both were great experiences for me. Teaching religion was a very powerful experience for me. I especially loved teaching about Holy Week with all its rituals and symbols. Waving the Palms, The Stations of the Cross, the Washing of the Feet, the Crown of Thorns, The Tomb all stand out for me. As a child, I remember being at SPN on Good Friday and participating in activities related to Jesus' suffering most of the day. However, I also strongly remember the end of the day when we would jump out of tombs we constructed yelling- Jesus is Risen. He is alive in YOU!! ALLELUIA!!!! AMEN!!!!

Prayer Quotes

2011-04-11T07:58:00.005-04:00

On Saturday, 5 of my Ursuline Sisters (Sr. Mary Sullivan, osu, Sr. Ellie Shea, osu, Sr. Maureen McCarthy, osu, Sr. Mary Dowd, osu and Sr. Pascal Conforti, osu) and I gathered for prayer, conversation and a meal. We each asked to bring a poem/quote/literary work that was speaking to us now and to share on it.

Here is one the quotes that Sr. Mary Sullivan, osu shared: I am certain of nothing but of the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of Imagination. By: John Keats

I was so touched by it and keep returning to it in prayer. It reminds me of how I need to trust my heart and imagination more. I can be much in my head and not enough into my feelings and spirit.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Career Day

2011-04-07T18:59:00.002-04:00

Today at Ascension School in Manhattan, it was Career Day. Children in my class heard from various people about their jobs and careers. We listened to a doctor, a financial recruiter, a non-profit executive director, an English teacher, a motivational speaker and a fashion designer. Plus many more were around the school sharing their stories. It was great!! The children listened carefully and asked great questions.

It made me think of my career as an educator. What motivated me to get interested in the field? Children What keeps me staying in the field? Children and the desire to help others.

I also thought how can I make my lifestyle as a women religious known more to the children. It's not a career. However, it is central to who I am.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Children's Prayers

2011-03-30T12:59:00.002-04:00

I have this book titled Children's Prayers from Around the World by Mary Batchelor.

Right now, my life is very busy and full. I have not had much time to write for this blog or reflect. Today my eyes fell on this book and I turned to the page titled Busy Days.

Here is what it says.

Work, for I am with you, says the Lord.from Haggai 2
Thank you for the joy that comes when we have done a good piece of work, even if it means doing it over and over again, as Jesus did in the carpenter's shop. Thank you for the happy times we have when we do things together, and share everything with each other. Thank you for all our friends.

The things, good Lord, that we pray for,
give us grace to work for.
Sir Thomas More (1478-1535)

I was reminded of how Jesus and Joseph were carpenters. They worked with their hands and I'm sure were busy on certain projects at times. Also Mary was busy keeping house, cooking, getting water from the well and making sure they had clean clothes. Being busy is part of life. But how we treat others and ourselves during our busy lives is what matters!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Different Directions of Lent

2011-03-21T15:44:00.006-04:00

Last Monday, March 14th, I received an email from a fellow Ursuline Sister, Sr. Mary Beisiegel, osu, who currently lives and ministers in St. Louis.

Sr. Mary writes:

Wanted to share a Lenten thought with you - heard this on Ash Wednesday at mass.

The three focuses of Lent - Alms giving; Prayer; Fasting - are 'directional' depending on what we need to work on.

Alms giving is sharing of ourselves - an outward direction.

Prayer is an upward direction - an invitation to work on our relationship with God.

Fasting - an inward direction - to work on what needs to be corrected/adjusted within us.

The priest further asked us to reflect on which direction was most in need of work in our personal lives as we began our Lenten exercise.

We are now in the second week of Lent and this keeps coming back to me.

What direction is in most need of work at this point in my life?

I need to spend some time thinking about it.

I absolutely love the different directions to turn my focus.

How about you?

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!

2011-03-17T07:23:00.003-04:00

May God give you,
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile;
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial,
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share.
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer to each prayer.

Words that give me HOPE

2011-03-13T07:58:00.004-04:00

The Ursuline Sisters are part of the Leadership Conference for Women Religious. They put out a publication called The Occasional Papers. I just finished reading their Winter 2011 edition which focuses on "Behold I am Doing Something New".

Nancy Schreck, OSF wrote an article titled The Journey to Newness: Mining the Wisdom of Exilic Literature. Here's a great quote from it.

"This is a critical time in religious life for exploring our deepest identity, not our more recent past. Our call is to understand ourselves, not from a period when we were a labor force in the church, but an earlier time of our prophetic identity, our deepest foundation, to a time when we were free to be the expression of our founders' wildest vision."

This makes me realize that I have to turn more to Angela:

The woman who said no the the Pope
The woman who created a third lifestyle option for women in the Church (not married or cloistered, but living among the people)
Angela who crossed a dangerous bridge
The woman who had a man secretary in 1535!!.

I need to ask her advice on ways we can live out that wildest vision in today's time. My prayer time is going to be really busy now!!

More to follow.

Sr. Jeannie, osu

An Idea for Lent

2011-03-09T05:48:00.002-05:00

Today is Ash Wednesday. Lent 2011 starts today!!!

Many people give up "something" like candy, cake or soda during Lent as a sign of sacrifice and as a tangible reminder of the suffering Jesus went through for us.

In my childhood home growing up, Mom always encouraged me to also do something extra (i.e.- shop for an elderly neighbor, watch one less t.v. show and pray instead, go to an extra Mass during the week etc.) I remember teaching 4th grade at St. Philip Neri School in the Bronx and reading that Lent was a time of prayer, almsgiving and sacrifice. I guess my mom took almsgiving to mean a sharing/giving of my time to Jesus.

So I always find myself giving up something and doing something extra for Lent. This year, I am giving up soda for Lent and my extra action will be taking a daily walk and praying to music on my IPOD.

For those of you women readers 50 and under, here is an invitation to an upcoming prayer and conversation gathering.

Join the Ursuline Sisters and other women for prayer and conversation on Lent. This will take place on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 2-4 p.m. at the Ursuline Provincialate 1338 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY Feel free to bring a friend. We would love to have you in our midst!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Words of Angela

2011-03-06T17:19:00.002-05:00

Angela Merici, the founder of our religious community, had many wise things to say.

Here are her words.

And if, according to times and circumstances, the need arises to make new rules or do something differently, do it prudently and with good advice.

– taken from Angela’s 3rd Legacy

Here is an adaptation from one of Angela's daughter - Cabrini Durkin.

She who says that does not want to be “in”. She does not want to hold onto the past at any cost. She is free of fearful concern about her work, about her reputation. She knows that all human deeds-if they are good deeds-are only a small part of the work of the Creator. She has experienced God’s love and has made the same experience available for others, for those who seek God, for those who thirst and hunger for more than just the superficial, for those who live in shadows.

Lord, give us the courage of this woman, that we may not hold on to the past and may not fear the future, but that we may live in the present and face the questions and needs of the people of today, and that together we may ask:

What would Angela do today?

-taken from Praying with Angela Merici-Editions du Signe 1999

Ursulines and Benedictines

2011-02-28T19:04:00.002-05:00

On Thursday, February 24th, I headed down to Wilmington, Delaware to our Ursuline Convent and visited with some of the sisters there. What a great group of women dedicated to that city and our school- www.ursuline.org!!!

Then on Friday, February 25th, Sr. Maureen Welch, osu and I made the 90 minute drive down to Ridgely, Maryland. We were on our way to visit the Benedictine Sisters, their monastery and the Benedictine School for Exceptional Children- www.benschool.org. Our visit went so well. I was very impressed by the school which is a residential program for individuals (ages 5-21) with special needs of intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities and autism. Day students are also welcome. The place was so clean, well-lit and colorful. There was a sense of "home" and "all are welcome" present in the building and with everyone we meet. We saw academic classes, industrial training and life skills learning taking place. This school doesn't stop here; it goes on to have group homes for adults with disabilities in various parts of Maryland and Delaware. Then there is an industrial job center, graphic design center, day community and busy bee cleaning operation for them to go to daily. Now Sr. Jeannette, the Executive Director of Benedictine Programs and Services is working on building a retirement center for adults with disabilities. She is making sure that throughout all of life's stages, the people are cared for in a human and loving way. So impressive!!!

After being given a fantastic tour by the vice principal of the school, Julie Hickey, I was invited by Sr. Colleen Quinvalen to visit the monastery and other sisters. We had a delightful time sharing stories and being together. I felt so much at home there.

This visit made me appreciate the different connections and opportunities I have to see places and meet other people because of my life as an Ursuline Sister. I feel so blessed.

Sr. Jeannie, osu

How Ursulines Serve

2011-02-22T10:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend, I was at our Ursuline Provincialate staying over and I spent some time (of course) writing pieces of my dissertation. During my stay, I came across one of our brochures. The following information grabbed my attention.

How Ursulines Serve

by educating for knowledge, skills, self-determination, and wisdom, with a commitment to serve church and society.

by meeting today's needs through promoting reconciliation, peace, and a just society.

in the great tradition of foundress St. Angela Merici, whose service was grounded in prayer and Jesus' comman to love one another as he loved.

with the daring of Ursuline global ministries and a worldwide vision of human interconnectedness.

with the love, joy, and peace that are the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Wow! I know many of our sisters are doing that and I try faithfully to live that mission of service.

Maybe there is a woman interested in this life of service and community. If so, please feel free to jot us a note. Don't be afraid to at least look into this life. Quite honestly, I find it so life-giving and loving.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T06:34:00.002-05:00

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.

They must be felt within the heart.

- Helen Keller

Praying with Angela

2011-02-11T15:08:00.003-05:00

We have a little book titled Praying with Angela
published by Editions du Signe.

In it, there are Angela quotes and also prayers connected to them.

Here is one that touched me today.

Words of St. Angela Merici:

God has given free will to everyone, and wants to force no one,

but only proposes, invites and counsels.

from her 3rd Legacy

God, You have invited me to believe. I have accepted Your invitation.
My life has not become more comfortable because of my faith.
I try to model myself on Jesus, Your Son, and I experience my own limits,
but also the wide horizon of his love.
I try to see the world with his eyes, to learn brotherhood and sisterhood, to take responsibility.

God, You do not take away the trouble of everyday life and the burden of decision-making. But when I put my questions before You, when my heart and my mind listen to You, then I understand the direction I should take, then I know: My life has not become more comfortable, but more alive.

My God: Thank You!!!

Sr. Jeannie

2011 Year of the Forests

2011-02-08T09:23:00.003-05:00

Greetings Everyone.

I am currently living with many women religious who work representing their religious congregations and other NGOs (non governmental organizations) at the United Nations. From them, I learned that 2011 is the Year of the Forests. How exciting!!

My ministry places me at Ascension School in Manhattan where we have just started the Book of the Month Club. All classes are reading the same book and different grades work together to create projects about the book and story.

Our February Book is Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter. It is about a woman who lives in Mount Kenya in Africa. She lives under green trees, watches the birds in the forests, gathers firewood for cooking, and helps harvest sweet potatoes, sugarcane and maize from the rich soil. Wangari does well in school and receives a scholarship to study in America.

When she returns to Africa, she notices the changes and the fact that the trees are gone, women travel miles to get firewood, buildings have replaced trees and there only barren land.
She starts replacing trees in own backyard-one at a time and then starts a nursery and convinces other village women to grow trees. As she says "Our lives will be better when we have trees again. You'll see. We are planing the seeds of hope."

The women continue to do this even though the government disagrees and make fun. However each women gets a small amount for each seedling still living after three months. The word spreads all over Kenya. Now there are 30 million trees growing there!! Thanks to the women who now walk tall, and with straight backs since they can gather firewood closer to home.

Wangari brought the green back to Africa. The story reminds me of "The Girl Effect" which I first heard about on my high school's-the Academy of Mt. St. Ursula website - http://www.amsu.org/

Please feel free to check it out.

I love the way pieces of my life connect together. Nature, Children's Literature, my Bronx high school, girls and women. It just reminds me of how we are interconnected!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Being, Dreaming, Loving, Thriving

2011-01-31T08:54:00.004-05:00

Last year for my birthday, I received an Americans Greeting card from one of our sisters, Ellie Shea, osu that had a very powerful message that I'd like to share with everyone today.

We didn't come here to fit in.

We came here to be who we are.

We didn't come here to work.

We came here to live our dreams.

We didn't come here for the stuff.

We came here to love each other.

We didn't come here by accident.

We each came here with a purpose

that is uniquely our own.

Be Dream Love Thrive Always.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

St. Angela Merici Feast Day

2011-01-27T12:02:00.003-05:00

Happy Feast Day!!!

Today is the Feast of St. Angela Merici. She was an amazing woman. At the age of 65, in 1535, she founded the Ursuline Sisters. Angela gathered woman together for prayer, community and reflection. The woman were to serve others by meeting the needs of the times.

Angela's wonderful words of advice to us:

You need not be anxious if you do your best.

Be kind and compassionate to another.

Give good example-teaching more by what you do than what you say.

Prayers and blessings to all those who have been touched by the Ursuline spirit and charism.

Thank you Angela!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Service, Prayer and Reflection Sharing - Ursuline Companions In Mission

2011-01-26T11:48:00.005-05:00

Greetings Everyone!!!!

Are you interested in service among the poor, reflection and prayer, housing, meals and sharing with the Ursuline Sisters. in the spirit of the Gospel. Then check out this out!!!

The Ursuline Sisters are offering two service, prayer and reflection opportunities over this summer of 2011. One will be in New Orleans, LA and the other in New Rochelle, NY.

We are hosting a mini Ursuline Companions in Mission program.

Check out the following link if you are interested.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YH-A20eVjTRmzVMz4X43scOIvMNYTchLg9oRyHzLGMg/edit?hl=en

We would love to have you join us in this endeavor!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

BUZZ

2011-01-19T14:45:00.001-05:00

I just finished reading for my professional book club the book titled BUZZ- A Year of Paying Attention by Katherine Ellison. It is a memoir in which Ellison shares the story of a year in her life as parent of a twelve-year-old son, Buzz who is diagnosed as having attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) along with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). She herself too is diagnosed with ADHD. The story tells the story both through humor and truth.

It really opened my eyes to the challenges of being a parent and then the extra pieces that go with being a parent of a child with special needs. Buzz isn’t the only child; there is a brother named Max. You hear a bit about his struggles too living with all this; but you don’t hear too much. Thus, it made me think of the many siblings of children with special needs and how their lives are affected too. Plus there was a husband to all this-Jack. You heard about him at various times throughout the book.

I saw how this diagnosis not only affected the child who had it, but also those around him daily. It is quite a challenge. The family struggled through the maze of doctors’ views, the medicine battles and the school system’s challenges. The book provides great insight into how it is to live with ADHD and ODD.

I pray for all those affected and hope we continue to search for ways to prevent or lessen these conditions.

I thank God for teachers and places like the Cooke Center for Learning and Development which work to help children with special needs and their families.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Arizona

2011-01-13T16:33:00.002-05:00

Today I arrived in Phoenix, Arizona for the annual Janaury Giving Voice weekend for women religious in their 20s and 30s. This will be my last year since I'll be 40 in May. Yikes!! Scary thing though I'm still "young" in religious life.

My friends and I have dubbed this Young Nun Weekend. It's great to share prayer together, spend time in contemplation, relax with one another, converse about our dreams and struggles and just have FUN!!!

For the 2nd year, we are at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery in Phoenix, Arizona. It is quite beautiful. There are many places to sit outside and enjoy the sun.

I'm struck that I'm here in Arizona considering the great tragedy that has hit Tucson, Arizona. I pray for all the victims. So awful!!! I pray that Representative Giffords continues to improve. I also remember the shooter and pray that he gets the mental help he needs. What a disaster!!

I know that our Young Nun gatherings provide peace to my soul. I hope one day that peace can reach all people and the senseless violence in our country, nation, world, planet and Earth can end.

Sr. Jeannie

475th Prayer

2011-01-08T18:06:00.002-05:00

Just received our Annual Report for the Year 2010 from the Ursuline Provincialate in New Rochelle, NY. It contains the gathering prayer used in October for our 475 Anniversary of the founding of the Ursulines.

O, God, we thank you for bringing us together to celebrate 475 years of Ursuline History.

O, God, all your creating praises you in its diversity and its oneness; may we embrace our call to be co-creators and gather all to you.

May our lives be filled with wonder and awe, recognizing you, our God, in all creation.

May your church, as your promised, move through good and bad times toward completion in Jesus.

Help us to grow in awareness of all we can be and do to contribute to the healing of the universe.

Help us to embrace new opportunities to reveal your love for the world.

Amen. Amen.

A Christmas Message

2010-12-20T09:43:00.003-05:00

The following message is found on the Christmas card from our Province Leadership. It touched me so I wanted to share it with everyone.

The living God is

unimaginably near,

pouring out merciful love

in the midst of our

darkness, injustice,

sin, and death.

May God's gift to you

this Christmas

be renewed faith

that trusts

this is true.

Prayers and Blessings to All!!

Sr. Jeannie

Homelessness

2010-12-15T12:48:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't updated this blog recently. But quite honestly, I am unsure of what to say right now. Through one of my ministries, I have come up close to the issue of homelessness. One of our children, her mother and sister were kicked out of a cousin's house recently and went to live in a shelter. They just found out they were not approved to stay there and had to leave again. I really don't understand the system or honestly know much about it. All that keeps going through my mind is that it stinks and I wish I could do more for this family and the countless others who are affected too.

This Advent season, my community is Journeying with a Companion-this means we each have taken a figurine from the creche scene and are asked to pray with this "person", "animal" or "object". I happened to pick a shepherd who is playing bagpipes. I keep praying with him daily and thinking of this family.

Jesus was in a sense "homeless" when he was born. Joseph had to ask for a place for his family to stay. The innkeeper had no room, but offered him the barn. That's where Jesus was born and then he was laid in a manger. What a poignant scene that I look at every year.

However do I really reflect on it. What is this simple action saying to us today? How are we receiving the homeless people right in front of us?

St Angela says to us "For in these troubled times, you will no other refuge than at the feet of Jesus Christ".

Jesus, I'm turning to you right now asking what to do and how to best help this family. Plus teach me how to live more gratefully with all that I have and not to complain or want more.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

NUN BUILD- NEW ORLEANS

2010-12-04T17:07:00.004-05:00

Building homes in New Orleans are Phyllis Kemper, (4th from left), a Brown County Ursuline from Cincinnati, and Stephanie, (1st on the left), a friend/former student of Regina Marie Fronmuller (last on the right. Regina Marie is an Ursuline from New Orleans. The rest are Ursulines (Teresa Byrne, Marie-Ce Miranda, Terry Eppridge, Carole Marie Keaney, and Dee Yanshak) from the New York area.

New Orleans was abuzz two weeks ago as approximately 87 sisters and lay colleagues, took part in Nuns’ Build under the aegis of the St. Bernard Project.

Our Ursuline group of seven was assigned to the same two houses throughout. The first was a real challenge, large (five bedrooms), dark, filled with dry wall waiting to be put up. Fortunately sisters of other communities there were with us. The second house, where we were for only one day, was a joy, small and bright with plenty of indoor room. We specialized in insulation this year, and by the end of the week all of us were quite adept in measuring, cutting, and installing.

Beyond the building skills is the sense of community this work engenders, along with the conviction that we are truly assisting in getting someone or a family “home.” Particularly touching was our encounter with Robin who with her daughter has lost three homes in the last five years: one to Katrina, one to Gustav, and one to fire.

The St. Bernard Project is making every effort to get them and others “home for the holidays.”

The time in NOLA was not all work. Several were able to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast, beautiful, yet with painful reminders of the oil spill as well as Katrina. And no visit to New Orleans is complete without time in the French Quarter. Sunday was highlighted by a wonderful Mass near Basin Street complete with music, song, impassioned preaching, and great spirit, as well as a visit to St. Jude’s Community Center, an amazing multi-faceted outreach facility across the street.

Finally, we went on a Swamp Tour. There are pictures of several of us holding an alligator to prove it!

Sr. Teresa Byrne, OSU
Malone, NY

An Advent Acrostic

2010-12-01T11:00:00.004-05:00

All creation is waiting and

Desiring a sign of hope

Voices are raised in prayer

Excitement is building for the

News that will be good and soon

The wait will be over as a baby is born.

Sr. Jeannie

Happy First Sunday of Advent

2010-11-28T21:24:00.004-05:00

Today marks the day we begin the Church's new liturgical year. We celebrate the First Sunday of Advent! It is hard to believe how quickly time is flying by. The Advent Season is the time when we await the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ on Christmas. Advent comes from the Latin word for an"arrival" or a "coming." It is an especially joyful time with the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. The radio began to remind us before Thanksgiving that Christmas was coming soon. Yet we need to remain in the moment -- we need to stay focused on the real meaning of the season. The real meaning is the coming of Jesus Christ into our hearts, homes and lives.

As we look on the Advent wreath let us remember that each candle symbolizes one of the four Sundays of Advent. Three of the candles are purple and one is rose. The purple candles symbolize prayer, penance and preparation and the rose one symbolizes rejoicing. Each week we light a candle to remind us of the journey to Christ's coming. Each day try and remember to take some time to "prepare the way of the Lord!"

Sr. Pat

Happy Thankgiving ( a day early)

2010-11-24T08:20:00.004-05:00

This year of 2010, Thanksgiving is falling on November 25th. That is very meaningful to all Ursulines around the world. On that day 475 years ago, St. Angela Merici and her company of St. Ursula gathered to sign the book and dedicate their lives to good. So it the 475th Anniversary of our Founding!!!! We definitely have many blessings to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day and Ursuline Anniversary Day.

I look at the two pictures above-Angela and her woman gathered together and the Disney characters are gathering together. Then I reflect and think about how many of us will be gathering with others to celebrate life, share our blessings and show gratitude to God and others for our wonderful lives. The importance of Gathering was present in 1535 and is present today in 2010. Enjoy your Gatherings!!!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

A Future and A Hope

2010-11-15T21:56:00.002-05:00

Right now, I have a lot going in with my three ministries-supervising teachers of students with special needs, teaching a graduate course titled Children's Literature at Fordham University, and working on my dissertation in Language, Literacy and Learning.

I keep coming back to the following quote that my novice director, Sr. Alice Moran, osu shared with me when I was received into the Ursuline community in September 1997.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord-plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

What is my future, dear Jesus?? I can't wait to see the hope and goodness.

Sr. Jeannie, osu

Kindness and Generous Love of God

2010-11-10T05:33:00.002-05:00

But when the kindness and generous love

of God our savior appeared
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy.....

These words come from today's Scripture Reading- Titus 3:1-7. They immediately spoke to me. First of all, I need to remember that there is the kindness and generous love of God. It is out there for me to grab hold of and experience. However, it doesn't happen no matter how good I am or what I do, accomplish, write, or speak. It comes to me because of God's mercy. How powerful and wonderful that is! I must remember that as I try to "do it all" today. Getting it all done correctly doesn't matter. Last week, Sister Ellie quoted words she once received from her spiritual director-You don't always have to give it your best-you sometimes just have to do it!!!

I'm going to try to remember all this today as I get ready for school and a meeting of fellow high school alums tonight.

Sr. Jeannie

Peace

2010-11-03T11:00:00.003-04:00

Right above my desk is a poster picture about Peace. The following words are found all over it in different fonts and colors.

For all the children, peace is possible,
grow it (create plans for peace at home, school, workplace)
BE IT (Live in peace with everyone)
picture it (focus on a vision of God's peace)

Shouldn't somebody be doing something about the violence in our world? Are there options beyond fight or flight to the violence-the emotional verbal or physical behavior that dominates, diminishes and destroys us and other. Yes, there is purpose and belief.

It is a great poster to be looking at everyday and it's the reason I work so hard at all I do. I want the world to be a better place for children.

Let's keep working to have Peace in our homes, streets, neighborhoods and hearts.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T11:18:00.004-04:00

On Friday night, October 29th, I went to the Great Pumpkin Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, in Croton on Hudson, NY. I went with my friend Kyra's Girl Scout Troop. Kyra's mom, grandmother and I were the drivers and adult chaperones. It was great fun. We picked up the girls at 2:30p.m. from school and went right up the Sprain River Pkwy. We needed to be there by 3:30 p.m. so the girls could work on a community service project. We had the job of lightening many of the pumpkins for the great festivities that would begin in the dark. It was hard work. Many of the pumpkins are carved to show great designs. They are beautiful and it's a great experience. However, I never thought till that afternoon as we were kneeling on the ground, moving pumpkins, throwing away old candles, putting in new ones and working against the wind to light candles how much work it takes to put on such a fantastic presentation. I was reminded of the need to be thankful for workers of all kinds. Everyone's talent and task helped make the night a great one!!!

Sr. Jeannie

Well Said-Children's Words of Wisdom

2010-10-27T16:39:00.004-04:00

The title for today's blog entry is also a title for a little book written by one of our Ursulines, Sr. Bridget Haase, osu, who currently lives in Dedham, Massachusetts. It is a little book which contains many delightful quotes and humorous sayings from children around the globe-Mexico, Appalachia, inner-city and suburban United States, Senegal,and Sudan. Sr. Bridget came across these children through her many years of teaching. Thanks to this book, you catch a glimpse what children might be seeing, thinking, feeling, and wondering.

I just love it!!! Here are some great excerpts from it:

"Sometimes life's confusing. Like getting called on to read out loud. You think you know where people are, but you really lost the place." - Leon, 9

"Life's one thing you can't do alone." - Loretta Mary, 11

"Loving costs, but it pays a lot, too." - Berwyn, 10

"Do you think my daddy could be God's little brother? He's real good to me, and I think he learned it from God." - Seraph, 6

"Sometimes my heart's words become a song to God. That's called prayer." - Estelle 11

This wonderful book is put out by St. Anthony Messenger Press. Check it out if you can.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Happy Feast of St. Ursula

2010-10-21T05:46:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we celebrated the life of Sr. Mary Patrick Levis, a wonderful faithful daughter of St. Angela who went home to God on Sunday. There were so many wonderful words spoken about her and it was a truly joyful celebration of a life well lived.

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Ursula for who the Ursuline Community was named. The story of St. Ursula is a legend and provides a portrait of a young girls love for God.

St Ursula was the daughter of a 5th Century Christian King in Britain. She was a beautiful, intelligent, outgoing and friendly girl. Ursula was a spiritual girl and at an early age had dedicated herself to God and had decided to remain a virgin because of her love of Christ.

At that time young girls did not choose their own husbands, their parents decided whom they would marry. A powerful pagan king requested of Ursula's father that she would marry his son Ethereus. Ursula, inspired by God agreed to the marriage but only on certain conditions. Each king should put at her disposal ten girls.
Each girl was to be accompanied by another thousand girls. The kings were to provide ships for a journey. Ursula was to be granted three years to dedicate herself to God. The young prince was to receive Christian instruction for baptism.
Ursula actually thought the proposal would be withdrawn on these conditions - but no, the king agreed and Ursula's demands were carried out immediately.

They moved on to Rome and Pope Cyriacus was delighted to see them since he himself came from Britain and he had many relations among Ursula's travelling companions. That night an angel told the Pope that he too along with Ursula and her companions would gain the crown of martyrdom. In the next few days Pope Cyriacus asked to join Ursula's group. He put another Pope in his place called Ametos. Pope Cyriacus, Ursula and her companions set out to return to Cologne.

The Huns were afraid that Christianity would become popular and that many people would become Christians. They gathered an army and plotted to kill Ursula and all her companions on their arrival back in Cologne.

When Ursula and her companions arrived in Cologne they met the Huns who were only interested in women for pleasure. Ursula and her young girls resisted this violation. Julius, leader of the Huns, instructed his army to kill them all, including Etherius and the ex-pope Cyriacus. Julius decided not to kill Ursula as he thought she was so beautiful he wanted to marry her. Ursula firmly refused his proposal because she wanted to keep the promise she had made to God to remain a virgin. Julius was so enraged he threw an arrow towards her, which pierced her heart and killed her. And so Ursula and her companions were martyred in Cologne.

Angela Merici founded the Ursulines in 1535 in Italy. At that time the story of Ursula was very popular and people would have heard it and prayed to Ursula. Angela was calling young women to live a life of virginity and to be of service to others. She choose Ursula as a role model for herself and her companions and so still today we are known as Ursulines. Just as God called Angela and her companions he still invites women of today to say yes to the call to dedicate their lives to Him in the spirit of St. Angela Merici.

Happy feast of St. Ursula to all!

Religious Life Friends.

2010-10-20T13:54:00.003-04:00

One of the best parts of being a women religious right now for me is the opportunity to get to know other women trying to live the Gospel life just like me.

I belong to a group-Giving Voice that is for Younger Women Religious Under 50(http://www.giving-voice.org/). Usually each congregation has a few members in this age group. So this group gathers us from all around for conversations and gatherings.

Later today, I will be on a Skype conference call with Jessi, a Presentation Sister and Susan, a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace (http://actjustly.blogspot.com/). We'll be planning a gathering of women religious in their 20s and 30s in Phoenix, Arizona from January 14th to 16th. All women religious in that age group are welcome and so are women considering religious life. It will be nice to be chatting with each other and thinking about what we can do together that weekend.

Plus I just was on Facebook and saw my friend Sarah, a Francisican sister in Texas and we're in the process of setting up a phone chat for Saturday.

Thank God for ways to keep communicating with each other. It is a great gift to me!!

Sr. Jeannie

AA

2010-10-18T06:22:00.002-04:00

On Saturday night, I attended a part of an AA evening with other Ursuline Sisters. One of our sisters was in a play on The Slogans. They were putting on little skits based on different AA slogans- Turn it over, We are only as sick as aour secret. They will get you drunk quicker than you can get them sober, and Honesty, Willingness and Openness.

The skits were very cleverly written and performed. I was so touched by the different slogans and how meaningful and applicable they are to everyone's life. I also was touched by the community spirit present in that room and the way everyone there was so supportive to each other. I admire their willingness to fight their demons and addictions. It made me think about myself and how I need to start handling some issues that are keeping me trapped from living my own life to the fullest.

I know many people whose lives have improved due to them joining AA and living the life. Thank God for it!!!

Sr. Jeannie

Celebrating 155 Years of Education

2010-10-14T09:21:00.003-04:00

Today the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula will celebrate 155 years of educating young women! What a wonderful achievement! MSU as it is fondly referred to by generations of alums is the oldest Catholic girls' high school in New York State, the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula was founded in 1855 in East Morrisania, New York City by Ursuline Sisters who came from St. Louis, Missouri. It was chartered in 1868 and has been located at Bedford Park Boulevard and Bainbridge Avenue since 1892. Owned and operated by the Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union, Mount Saint Ursula is an independent, Catholic, college-preparatory school for girls. The total program is based on unchanging moral and spiritual values actualized in a curriculum and co-curriculum designed to meet the needs of today's students. Throughout its long history, the Mount's family spirit has always fostered deep interpersonal bonds among students, faculty, parents, and alumnae.

I have so many fond memories of MSU and friendships that began in high school continue to be a special part of my life today. There were many Ursulines who were my teachers who have become my friends in later years -- I am especially grateful for the gift of Marie Therese, Betty, Brenda, Beth -- who journeyed with me in high school and who continue to be a source of inspiration for me now.

Tonight 46 former Ursuline educators will be inducted into the AMSU Hall of Fame -- what a wonderful tribute to the women who continued the dream began 155 years ago! Thank you for your inspiration and for the countless young women you educated. May God continue to bless and keep you always!

To the Academy of Mount Saint Ursula -- Ad multos annos!

You can check out the 155 Anniversary video on amsu.org. It is a beautiful tribute to all that has been.

Sr. Pat

Seeing the Work of God

2010-10-13T18:56:00.001-04:00

I just left the community room where the television is and one can watch parts of the Chilean miners' rescue. What an inspiring story!!! It so amazing to think that all those miners survived underground like that for 69 days. Yikes!! Seeing some of them being rescued is just wonderful. Hearing how they turned to God and used a fellow miner as a spiritual guide just reminds me of how powerful God is!! I also keep thinking of the brain power that went into the building of the capsule to rescue them. All the thinking of the people who had a role in that.

Thank you God!!!!!

Motivation and Falling in Love

2010-10-08T15:11:00.002-04:00

Today I spent the day at Fordham University/Lincoln Center attempting to work on my dissertation for a PhD in Language, Literacy and Learning. My dissertation is going to deal with the topics of students' motivation and the types of questions asked when reading. Therefore I spent some time researching motivation and looking at different assessment measures regarding motivation. I have to admit I began to get frustrated and wondered if I will ever write this paper and finish this degree. Then I started praying and reflecting on what motivated me to get this degree. I thought about all the children I have taught and.or teach now and how their education and learning process is so important to me. It's what got me interested in going on for a higher degree and what will keep my butt in a chair typing and researching. I decided to take a mental break and write a piece for our Ursuline Blog and when I was thinking of what to do, the following poem came to mind. It sure speaks volumes. Enjoy!!

Falling In Love With God

Nothing is more practical than finding God,
that is, than falling in love
in a quite absolute, final way.
What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.
It will decide what will get you
out of bed in the morning,
what you will do with your evenings,
how you will spend your weekends
what you read, who you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you
with joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love,
and it will decide everything.

~ Pedro Arrupe, S.J.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Standing on the Shoulders

2010-10-01T10:47:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite songs is one by Earth Mama - "Standing on the Shoulders". It talks about how we are standing on the shoulders of the ones who went before us and we are grateful for their vision and for their toiling on this earth. It is what helps us celebrate today and be so blessed. Therefore we will work a little harder to make our shoulders stronger for the ones who will follow us.

Tomorrow, (October 1st) my province - Ursulines of the Roman Union-Eastern Province, US is celebrating the 475th anniversary of the starting and founding of the Ursulines by St. Angela Merici. We are gathering at Beckwithe Pointe in New Rochelle with our many associates, colleagues, families, friends, former students and ourselves. It should be a great day of celebration, honoring, blessing and being together.

As we prepare for it I think of the women who have gone before me-Angela, Marie of the Incarnation, Mother Dominic Weiss, Mother Irene Gill, Mother Stanislaus, Mother Amadeus Dunne, Sr. Catherine Marie Jordan, Sr. Jerome Murray, Sr. Regina, Sr. Bea, my grandmother Mary Welby and my mom Angela Humphries- I am grateful for all they have given me and done to make this world a better place for me.

I also think of the women who are on this journey with me- the many Ursulines and friends who support me, particularly Mary, Ellie, Mary, Maureen, Pat, KM, Mo, Ann, Alice, Helene, Christina and so on-I am grateful for their presence and collaborative efforts to make this world more peaceful and just today.

Plus I think of the many who will follow me hopefully and be continuously touched by Angela's spirit - Kyra, Charlotte, Penelope, Shannan, Frankie, Emily, Abby and so on-All my efforts will hopefuly make their future a little brighter.

I feel so blessed and loved. Thank you, God and thank you Earth Mama for a song which touches my heart in such a deep way.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Nature

2010-09-23T17:21:00.002-04:00

I have to admit I am a real city girl-born and raised in the Bronx- lived in apartments till I entered the convent. I always traveled by bus, subway, cab and foot. During my adult years, I was always in my car. Now I'm living in Soho, Manhattan and traveling via subway to work, school and home.

During today's prayer time, I came across the following quote:

Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth's greenings. Now, think What delight God gives to humankind with all these things. All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without it, we can not survive.
- St. Hildegard of Bingen

I began to realize when I reflected how I take nature for granted and don't always take time to sit in the grass, smell the flowers and enjoy the cool breezes from the water. I need to start doing that more so I can survive my busy year of dissertation writing and teaching.

Sr. Jeannie

Jesus, Women, Travel and Resources

2010-09-17T14:48:00.003-04:00

Today's Gospel- Luke 8: 1-3 says the following: "Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources."

Upon first reading it and hearing that the women had to be cured of evil spirits and infirmities angered me. What are women the only ones suffering? Who decided their spirits were evil? I'm sure some of the Twelve suffered too.

But then I reread the Gospel again and saw the line and many others who provided for them out of their resources and was touched by the generosity. How wonderful!!

Plus I was struck by the lines Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another. Today I'm off on various tasks for the weekend. I will travel toand from the following places: SoHo, Hartsdale, New Rochelle, Hastings on Hudson, Bronx, Croton-on Hudson, Yonkers and that's all I know of right now. However, I must remember that Jesus also traveled and when he did-he preached and proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God. I might not be a preacher but I can be kind and generous to all those I meet in my travels.

How can you be like Jesus in your travels?

Sr. Jeannie, osu

A 3 Minute Online Retreat

2010-09-10T08:04:00.002-04:00

My Ursuline Sisters of the Eastern Province of the United States Roman Union Ursulines is in the process of reconfiguring with 3 other provinces to become a new single province in the United States. Each member is involved in Self-Organizing Groups on topics related to our life and how we want them to be in our new "life". Some sisters are also involved in Deep Dive Groups where we are being asked to look deeply and closely at certain topics.

I am involved in the New Membership Deep Dive with 3 other sisters. The other day, on an email, one of the sisters Mary Beth Read, osu was thanking Jean Hopman, osu for information on Loyola Press 3 Minute Retreats. Mary Beth is currently in parish work at St. John the Baptist in Yonkers, NY and Jean works as an editor for Loyola Press. Jean had been sharing with Mary Beth some information about how Loyola Press could help her with resources for her ministry. One resource she shared was the 3 Minute Online Retreats that Loyola Press offers daily. So I decided to look it up and now have that sent to my email each day. So I start my day off with this prayer, look at it throughout the day again and look again once before I go to bed. I love it.

Please check out www.loyolapress.com Go to Online Community and scroll down to 3 Minute Retreat.

This program has enriched my prayer life. I hope you will experience the same.

Sr. Jeannie, osu

A Great Quote

2010-09-08T05:18:00.002-04:00

"If you want to be always in God's company, you must pray regularly and read the Scriptures regularly. When we pray, we talk to God; when we read, God talks to us."
St. Isidore of Seville

I found this quote when I opened up my missalette a few minutes ago for prayer. I always talk to God during prayer but don't honestly always read reflectively and look at it as God talking to us. To me prayer is always about conversation, but sometimes I forget it needs to be two way. I must read the Scriptures more so I hear God's voice more clearly.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Being Present

2010-09-03T07:19:00.003-04:00

Last night,as I was sitting in the air-conditioned community room, I flipped through September 2010 edition of Redbook magazine.

I came across the editor's notebook page on which the question What advice do you live by? was posed to many people. Tim Gunn happened to be one of responders. His advice began with "Give 100 percent of your attention to the person you're with."

So often I find myself multi-tasking in life, checking email while listening to music, eating while watching television, printing out a paper while making my bed etc.. At times I even find myself multi-tasking when someone is talking to me. Often it involves me listening to the person talk and I'm staring and working on my computer whether it's reading or writing email or a paper. I don't even sometimes look up at the person. That is not good.

This week during PD workshops, I saw so many people (myself included) looking through our phones and other keeping in touch tools instead of fully listening. A bad habit that I want to work on ending.

I think I'll take Tim Gunn's advice and start really paying attention to the person I'm with. I know I like it when people pay attention to me. So why shouldn't I do the same. After all as the Gospel message says "Treat others as you would like to me treated."

Caring and Writing

2010-08-25T16:10:00.002-04:00

Today I presented with a fellow colleague from the Cooke Center for Learning and Development. We presented to some Bronx Catholic School teachers a workshop dealing with The Writer's Notebook. This is teaching technique/program that encourages children to write. It involves having a notebook for you to write down your ideas, thoughts, observations, favorite lines of poetry, dreams etc..

During the workshop we discussed a writing strategy called "Mapping Your Heart". This involves drawing a heart and then putting it into sections and labeling each section with a topic or interest of yours. What takes space up in your heart? Families, friends, God, pets, chocolate (or other favorite food), and reading (0r another hobby) were found on many people's hearts.

One person at the workshop mentioned how this exercise reminded her of how important caring and feeling is. Not only were we talking about writing, but also we were discussing and thinking about what makes us human. That to me is true education.

If you were going to map your heart, what would you place in there?

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Mothers and Children

2010-08-17T08:15:00.003-04:00

I woke up early this morning and have to admit instead of praying, I turned on the television. I ended up watching a Law and Order. That show always seems to be on some channel all the time..

This particular episode dealt with a young mom and her two young sons. One of the boys was shot and ended up being murdered at the hospital by the man who claimed to be the mom's boyfriend. He was a major drug dealer and had terrorized the mom and young boys. She was totally trapped in the situation. At the funeral of her son, the man shot her again even though she was surrounded by 6 police officers. She ended up then shooting her "boyfriend" and then had to move far away in order not to get arrested and or attacked by one of the boyfriend's connections.

Such a scary life, one that I know is shared by many. Through it all you observed her fierce love and dedication to her sons. Plus you saw in her surviving son, the love and desire he had to protect his mom. All I could think of during the show was how many women in my Bronx neighborhood struggle like this.

My mind also turned to a Danielle Steel book I'm reading that is about a young girls who suffered horrific physical abuse at the hands of her mother.

I ended up praying for all mothers and children. Many mothers are in tough situations. The decisions on how to handle them affects their children in so many ways. I always have a fierce desire to protect and care for children. They are our future and one of God's greatest gifts to our world. In my prayer today, I saw all the children that I have taught through the years and all my friends' children. I am so proud of what wonderful mothers so many of my friends have grown up to be. It's great to see the love and care.

Loving and Gracious God, please protect families. Help those who are suffering and give them wisdom to make good decisions. Please let children feel love and care. It is so important to their self- confidence, self-worth and self-esteem.

Sr. Jeannie

70+ years of Religious Life

2010-08-14T11:49:00.002-04:00

Today we celebrated the life of Sr. Marie Paul Denesha, osu. She was almost 92. Her funeral Mass took place at our Province Center in New Rochelle.

She was a magnificent 1st grade teacher in various places, Malone, NY, Wilmington, DE, Bethseda, MD, Springfield, MA and New Rochelle, NY. She was an expert in the Montessori method. In her later years, she was know for making rosary beads for so many. Sr. Marie Paul, osu really wanted to bring Jesus to all. All spoke so highly of her.

I remember best her calligraphy welcome signs to Malone whenever I came to visit and the hundreds of rosaries she sent me to give to my students.

Thank you Marie Paul for sharing your life with us. We will miss you but we know you're up there watching down on us. Please remember us in your prayers.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

Happiness is Spending the Day with Friends

2010-08-09T19:38:00.002-04:00

Today, I spent most of my day at Zoom Flume Waterpark in East Durham, NY-Catskills Mountain Area.

I went with my friend Christina and her daughter Kyra. They belong to an Irish bungalow colony, Four Green Fields, in Accord, NY. About 40 people went from the colony from 5 year olds up to those in their 60s. It was great spending time together out in nature. The park is surrounded by mountains and it was beautiful to swim in the wave pool and look out.

I was also very touched by how the children in the colony looked out for each other and praised one another when they were brave and tried a new ride. Also how they made sure no one was left alone and grouped together to go on the rides. I was so nice to see.

The park was not too crowded and everyone there was pleasant and appeared to be enjoying themselves. It was nice to see families and friends together.

Angela stressed the importance of values within family life and the importance of the mother's role. Today, all the mothers at the park definitely were teaching their children's values of kindness, enjoyment and simple fun by being together at the park.

I'm so glad I went and I truly am so lucky to have great friends.

Sr. Jeannie, osu

Visiting my Sisters and Friends

2010-07-31T08:17:00.002-04:00

For the past few days, I have been up in Malone, New York spending some quiet time with myself, seeing 3 of my Ursuline Sisters and a good friend and her family. It has been wonderful.

Malone is in rural upstate New York very close to the Canadian border. I ministered there at Flanders Elementary School as a reading specialist for grades 3-5 for four years. It was one of the most meaningful ministries of my life. My time was so well spent up here. I made numerous friends, saw a different part of our state and learned lots about life. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity.

I remember moving up here and being very nervous because I only knew the Ursulines and had to find a job and all that. But it turned out to be spectacular. I must remember that as I look into taking other steps and moves in life. It was a risk but one that turned out well.

What moves and changes have helped you grow?

Sr. Jeannie, osu

Special Book Signing

2010-07-27T22:33:00.005-04:00

Today, Sr Anne Marie Kelleher came to Andrus on Hudson to present and read from her new book, entitled "And No One Saw Your Footprints." Her book captures a wonderful life and recalls special people she met along her life journey and how they influenced her life and her relationship with God. Sr. Anne Marie read to the residents and guests exerpts from her book to the delight of all. Copies were available for purchase and all enjoyed refreshments after. This event was planned by Sr. Madeline Welch. Thank you for sharing the special gift of your life with us.

Sr. Pat

North American Ursuline Convocation

2010-07-03T10:05:00.003-04:00

We are still in Cleveland having a great time with all the Ursulines and followers of Angela.

We have the wonderful opportunity to hear Professor Querciolo Mazzonis speak of Angela Merici and her emphasis on the primacy of our relationship with God and desire to help women come into their own and be the best they can be spiritually and mentally.

Last night, many sisters went to see the Women and Spirit exhibit about the great work women religious have accomplished in the United States. Check it out at www.womenandspirit.org

We have heard a panel of women speak about personal experiences of human trafficking and ways we can work together to stop it.

Tonight we will travel to the Ursuline motherhouse in Cleveland for a liturgy together.

Check out our schedule at www.ursulinesisters.org.

It is great to be one of Angela's daughters.

Sr. Jeannie, osu

North American Ursuline Convocation

2010-07-01T21:37:00.004-04:00

Almost 300 followers of Angela are gathered in Cleveland to celebrate and be together for prayer, conversation and fun. We will be celebrating our 475th anniversary of our founding in November 2010. At our gathering, we have Ursuline sisters, associates and friends from Canada (Prelate and Chatham), the United States (New York, Delaware, Montana, California, Ohio, Kansas, Alaska, Kentucky, Louisana, Texas and many others). It is so exciting to see us all together. Angela advised us to gather from time to time and that is what we are doing over the next few days. I'll write more as the time goes on.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

A Great Woman

2010-06-25T07:37:00.005-04:00

Just finished catching up on my blog reading.

Over on the blog A Nun’s Life (http://anunslife.org/blog/#recent) written by an internet friend Julie, an IHM sister, she discusses one of our Ursuline sisters Claire O’Mara and the great cycling trip across the United States her nephew David is taking in honor of her. What an amazing story!!

Read what he says on his website Following Claire. ( http://followingclaire.rocksf.org/)

Have you ever come to a point in your life when you wanted to do more? More to help out those in need, more to develop yourself and most of all….more to make a difference? Well. that time is now for me.

My name is David O’Mara and I am just your average guy looking to make a change. I have spent years volunteering for one of the best philanthropic organizations in the United States, Real Options for City Kids, otherwise known as R.O.C.K. This is an organization that works tirelessly to help create physical and educational development programs for underprivileged kids in San Francisco. They have changed the lives of many young boys and girls and are about to help change mine. (http://www.rocksf.org/)

I grew up in Modesto, CA and had the privilege of knowing someone who committed her entire life to helping others. My Aunt was an educator, a missionary and most of all a wonderful role model for me and my family. She has spent her entire life working to better the lives of others. It is in her honor that I have the decision to embark on this two month journey. I have left my job and will be riding by bike across America to raise money to support the R.O.C.K. cause. Am I seasoned cyclist you ask? No. Have I done this before? No. Am I little bit nuts? Probably. This is my chance, however to make a change. I realized that I have the capacity to do something that could truly change the lives of others. Yes, it will be a challenge. And yes, it is a big risk – but, if Aunt Claire taught me anything, it is that the joy you get from enriching the life of someone else is worth every sacrifice that comes with it. Wish me luck!! Here’s to you Aunt Claire… David O’Mara

Meet Aunt Claire
Sister Claire O’Mara (pictured in yellow) is Dave’s great aunt. She is an Ursuline nun who, at 88, now lives in a retirement community in Hastings on Hudson, N.Y. For most of her adult life, she was an educator and missionary in Latin America and in the Bronx. She dedicated herself to working with the poor and less fortunate wherever she was. She was always steadfast in her commitment to her beliefs and values. In 1995, New Rochelle College honored her, along with Rosa Parks, as a “Woman of Conscience.”

Aunt Claire visited Dave and his mother every few years. They both found her to be funny and always exciting. She was interested in Dave’s social life, his education and sports. She encouraged him to follow his dreams, do good work and try to have fun. Once, prior to a school dance, she attempted to bring him up to speed on ballroom dancing (it was fun for both, but he still has 2 left feet). She continues to be one of Dave’s biggest supporters.

Sister Claire through her kindness, delight in adventure and willingness to take risks, has been the inspiration for Dave’s decision to undertake this road trip.

Claire is one of the many great women in our community. Today when I’m up at Andrus visiting our sisters, I’m going to stop and ask her about David and hear her thoughts on this wonderful adventure. I can see her smiling with pride and see the glint in her eye showing that sense of adventure and risk-taking that inspired her nephew David.

Please check out his website to find our ways you can support his great cause and effort. (http://followingclaire.rocksf.org/)

Best of Luck David and know that the Ursulines are behind you in prayer. Contact us if we can be of any help to you. Your Aunt Claire has followed St. Angela’s spirit of risk-taking and now we see it again in the next generation. Blessings!!!

Sr. Jeannie Humphries, osu

You can follow Dave on the following sites:
http://twitter.com/daveomara
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114508521918135&v=info

Happy Father's Day!!!!

2010-06-20T14:38:00.002-04:00

Today in the United States, we are celebrating Father's Day.

From what we have learned about Angela, we know her father was the one who read to her from the Bible and the Lives of the Saints each evening. He read to his four children: two sons and two daughters. Hearing those stories most likely had a great influence on her faith. We also know that she and her siblings used to eat the fruit from their neighbor's yard and I'm sure her father had to apologize and "pay" for his children's mischief.

However her father died when she was quite young and Angela went to live with her uncle. He took her into his home and raised her along with his children too. What a kind man!!

There are many fathers out there trying to take care of their children the best they can and provide a good life for them. I'm sure too there are many brothers, uncles, friends, neigbors who are also stepping in and acting as dads to children who need them just like Angela's uncle did.

Angela's father provided her with a belief system and her uncle helped her to live it out.

Thanks to them Angela was able to start the Company of St. Ursula almost 475 years ago!!

So thanks to all the dads and men who take over that role when neeeded. The Ursulines are thankful for Angela's Dad and Uncle!!

An Invitation

2010-06-10T08:09:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Just want to let you know that the Ursuline Sisters are hosting an afternoon of prayer and conversation this Sunday, June 13th at the Ursuline Provincialate 1338 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. We will be tending to our inner spiritual lives and talking about the deeper meaning of life. If you'd like to join us, please contact srjeannieosu@yahoo.com. We would love to have you there.

Thanks.

Sr. Jeannie and Sr. Pat.

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T06:55:00.003-04:00

Today we celebrate Memorial Day the traditional opening of the summer season. Memorial Day always marks holiday barbecues, going to the beach, visiting with friends and family. But it means so much more. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers placed flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Over the years the celebrations have grown and taken on new meaning. One of the flowers I always associate with Memorial Day is the poppy. When I was reading about Memorial Day I came upon the poem which inspired the use of this flower. I share this poem with you.

In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

When I read this powerful poem I thought about the many lives that have been affected by war. Perhaps today is a good day for us to pray in gratitude to all those who served and all those who continue to serve today. May they always know our gratitude and support as they continue the struggle for peace, life and liberty.

Sr. Pat

Reflection on an Ursuline Education

2010-05-26T21:35:00.003-04:00

Today we celebrate St. Philip Neri! As I prayed this morning I could not help but think back on my education at St. Philip Neri school in the Bronx. Memories of those days on the Grand Concourse flooded my mind. As I looked back on those days I was reminded of the great teachers I had and how they influenced my life. I also recalled my friends and classmates. Many of us who were educated at SPNS(during my time)have fond memories of Srs. Annunciata, Catherine Marie, Julia, Clare, Maura,and Josephine. We owe a great deal to these women who set us on the right path for life. May we always make them proud!

Sr. Pat

Happy Birthday to Our Church!!!

2010-05-23T10:48:00.003-04:00

Happy Pentecost!!

Today is the day we celebrate the apostles receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is when they started going out and spreading the Good News of Jesus to all the people. In as sense, it is the start of the Church.

I have always been taught that Pentecost is the Church's birthday. When I was a child, my grandmother, mother and I would celebrated by having an ice cream cake or special treat and talking about the Holy Spirit's gifts. These gifts include Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Courage, Knowledge, Prayerfulness and Wonder. What awesome gifts. I am so thankful for these gifts and want to use them to better the world. Right now I especially need Courage for some of the life changes and transitions I need to undergo. I'm especially thankful for the gift of Wonder because it keeps joy in my life.

Which gift of the Holy Spirit do you especially need now?
Which gift of the Holy Spirit are you especially thankful for?

Enjoy the Church's Birthday Celebration!!! I hope the Spirit visits you in a new energizing way.

Sr. Jeannie Humphries

Schools Unite for a Cause

2010-05-16T18:46:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, May 15 2010 Ursuline’s Breast Cancer Awareness Club joined forces once again with Iona Prep for the 3rd annual “Paws for the Cause” walk to raise awareness and money for the Think Pink scholarship fund and for various cancer organizations. The event will took place on the Iona Prep track and was joined this year by the S.A.D.D. clubs from both schools. The S.A.D.D. club also raises funds for various support groups and works diligently to raise awareness about the dangers of destructive decisions.

The Pause Walk kept its old traditions and add some new ones. The clubs sold merchandise including tee-shirts, bracelets, sweatshirts, magnets, etc. Pink ribbon cookies were baked and generously donated and delivered by Zeppieri’s Bakery will be on sale again this year. Grace Ann Accocella Pensiero, class of ’89 and a breast cancer survivor prepared chocolate treats for the event. For the first time the walk was held in the evening. Registration was at 5:00pm and the walk began at 6:00pm. Candles were lit in memory of those who have suffered or who have passed on from breast cancer or drunk driving.

Another first for the Paws for the Cause Walk was “team-making.” The purpose of the teams was to have people get together with their friends and come up with a catchy or meaningful name for their team. Ursuline’s co-presidents, Katherine Valentino, Katie Manfredo, and Julia Nasti, came up with the name “Presidents in Pink” for their team. Each team was encouraged to raise at least fifty dollars to support and raise awareness for breast cancer. This was a fun way to get people involved in this stride against a disease which plagues one in eight people in our society. Yes, men do get breast cancer!

The Breast Cancer Awareness Club members along with the help of club moderator, Mrs. Joan Brescia, have worked really hard to create an event that underscores two high schools coming together to make something right. A great time was had by all with a DJ, bands, food and a leisurely stroll. The Ursuline Cheerleaders kicked off the walk with a BEAT CANCER Cheer and warm-up. Thanks to all who donated their time, money and effort to making this year’s walk a really fantastic and successful one!

By Katie Manfredo
Co-president BCAC

An Amazing School Production

2010-05-15T09:48:00.003-04:00

On Tuesday of this past week, I attended a school production of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". It was put on by the Cooke Center Academy students in SoHo, NY. All of these high school students have special learning needs. However, that is not what you noticed during the production. Rather you saw enthusiasm, enjoyment, smiles and well-learned lines and dances on all the students' faces. What a great show and accomplishment!!!

It was so wonderful to see the children performing. That was due to the hard work of dedicated teachers who encouraged, assisted children with learning lines, movements, dances, songs and creating the set design. There are so many good people connected with this place and I'm glad to be working for the organization. Check us out at www.cookecenter.org.

What great work of dedication do you see in your lives??

Sr. Jeannie

Celebrating 365 years of Religious Profession!

2010-05-10T20:37:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, May 8th five of our sisters celebrated the anniversary of their religious profession. Three were celebrating 75 years and two were celebrating 70 years. The celebration took place at Andrus on Hudson, a nursing home where twenty six of our sisters live. These five women have served in many different ministries. From teacher, to missionary, principal, advocacy for the poor, and even a travel agent.

It was wonderful to gather as a province and celebrate with a liturgy and luncheon. The witness of these women over the years has been an inspiration to many people. They continue to minister to others through their ministry of prayer. We wish them all Ad Multos Annos.

Sr. Pat

Our Lady's Garden

2010-05-07T07:16:00.000-04:00

On April 22nd, the day before Earth Day, students from Mount St, Ursula and residents of Serviam Gardens met to weed, cultivate and plant in Our Lady’s Garden which lies between the school and Serviam Gardens. There are beautiful plants now that enhance this special space and are signs of all that flowered in the shared conversation and activity that day.

Led by Dr. Tiwari, Chairperson of the Science Department, students and residents together cleared the land and planted a small tree and many flowers. Each person was able to chose a special flower to plant and students and residents hope to tend their own part of the garden in the days to come.

When asked what they had learned, the freshmen remarked
• about realizing that “weeds grow faster than plants” ,
• that it was enjoyable to “learn about different ethnicities and cultures by working with our Senior Citizen neighbors.”
• that, “even though we worked hard, it helps our school look pretty and we have a memory and can look forward to coming back in years to come for alumnae reunions and finding our plants and trees still here.

Dr. Tiwari, chairperson of the Science Department, directed this whole effort and students said that he made it educational and entertaining at the same time.
Written By Sr. Alice Marie Giordano, osu