Pet blessing - St.Clare Centennial 'Barn' - 2009

...but most of the time we do things that enable us to live our core values.

Many of us engage in personal ministries...

I was in prison and you visited me... 

           Sr. Rita K. Kerr's lifelong passion for marginalized people is reflected clearly in her compassion for women incarcerated at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women, the only maximum security facility in New York State. Her kindness coupled with her contemplative presence bring peace to all who meet her.

A Voice for the Voiceless...

          Sr. Arleen Bourquin is a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate). When children have been abused or neglected ...their case may go to Juvenile Court.  The judge or magistrate may request that a CASA Guardian ad litum represent the child’s best interest.  As a guardian ad litum, Sr. Arleen is responsible for investigating everything that is happening in the life of the child and preparing a detailed report identifying concerns and making recommendations. 

Comfort for the Dying... 

          Sr.Clarita Frericks volunteers with the Blue Angels... she loves this work with a passion . It grew out of her years working in hospitals in the Chaplain's Office. They are called 'Blue' Angles because blue is associated with Mary, the Mother of God. And they are called 'Angels' because their ministry is to bring a peaceful, prayerful presence to the bedside of those who are actively dying. Designed especially for those who have no family, the program helps allay one of people's great fears: dying alone and in pain.

Help for the Living...

         Sr. Karen Hartman devotes her time to Peace and justice - in a variety of ways. One of her more exciting experiences was a trip to Bay St. Louis, MS to help with the recovery efforts from  Hurricane Katrina.  A group from St. Bartholomew Parish headed for the gulf coast to assist at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church.  Sister Karen said, "We were privileged to meet many faith-filled people -- who had suffered so much loss and yet were  eager to share their life and stories of survival with us.  We shared prayers, greetings of peace, meals, expectations, hugs, and tears with the few returning residents." Sr. Karen went back again, and again "to help our brothers and sisters through the devastation of Hurricane Katrina."

Honoring - and caring               for the elderly...

                Sr. June Casterton volunteers with Cincinnati Area Senior Services as an advocate and a court-appointed guardian for the elderly people who are no longer able to make decisions for themselves. Currently she is the court-appointed legal guardian for 3 elderly adults. She also volunteers at the Twin Towers Adult Day Care for physically and cognitively challenged adults.

Visiting -- and caring for -- the sick...

 Sr. Paula Huecker is a nurse who is always there for ailing or elderly sisters. She truly is their own 'nurse case manager', taking them to their physicians, explaining the medical language, seeing to it that they get their medicines, taking them to the hospital and bringing them home again -- and seeing to it that they are able to remain independent for as long as possilble. She loves her work almost as much as the Sisters love her! The picture at the right is Sr. Yvonne Fackler, St. Clare Convent sacristan, sharing a happy moment with Sr. Rosalita Losonsky.