Carmelite Events

Story Contribution: Sister Joachim Anne, O.Carm.

Photo Courtesy: Garvey Manor

We had a beautiful Mass for Sr. Philomena Anne's renewal of vows on June 8, 2019. Msgr. Robert Saly, Garvey Manor's chaplain and Sr. Jacinta Mary, O.Carm., local Prioress, officially received Sister's vows.  We had a wonderful congregation of people. Sister’s father, Robert Schill, was present for the Mass and did the first reading.  Sister Philomena and her dad carried up the offertory gifts. It was an honor for us all to be at the Mass and to celebrate this wonderful event!

Photo : Altoona Mirror

Staff Writer: Patt Keith

Mirror photo by Patt Keith Registered Nurse Jamie Pendersen checks 92-year-old Garvey Manor resident Richard Gildea’s breathing.

 

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Residents at Garvey Manor and Our Lady of the Alleghenies receive care from an educationally diverse mix of nurses, said registered nurse Becky Wilson, director of nursing.

The facility employs 90 certified nursing assistants, 35 licensed practical nurses and 20 registered nurses, she said, noting that 132 residents of the skilled nursing area and the 36 residents of a secure dementia unit need the most care and residents in 54-personal care apartments the least.

Wilson, of Altoona, has made a 19-year career at Garvey where she started as a CNA, became a registered nurse and held various positions before landing the lead position.

“I never expected to stay here my whole career, but I have,” Wilson said. “I know and love the residents. They put a smile on my face.”

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Story Contribution by David McCrory

 

You are invited to join the McCrory Family in Rome!

A special Mass and Concert in honor of Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory,O. Carm

"If you have to fail, let it be on the side of kindness. Be kinder than kindness itself to the elderly."

Date: May 26, 2019, Mass at 12:15 pm

Sacred Early Music Concert and a new song written for Mother Angeline at 3 pm

Santa Maria in Traspontina

Via della Conciliazione, 14c, 00193 Roma RM, Italy.

“Mother Angeline McCrory”

 
In Tyrone’s fine county, a land of great bounty, I first set my eyes on Mother Angeline.
As she prayed to her savior, there was no one braver, With compassion and kindness, A-live, A-live Oh.
A-live, A-live Oh. A-live, A-live Oh. With compassion and kindness, A-live, A-live Oh.
She left home for France, where she jumped at the chance,
To help the poor folk and old folk, with all of their needs. She joined in the Order, Little Sisters of the Po’or.
With compassion and kindness, A-live, A-live Oh.
A-live, A-live Oh. A-live, A-live Oh. With compassion and kindness, A-live, A-live Oh.
Then she crossed the great ocean, with heartfelt emotion, to bring her sweet healing, to the aged and infirm.
Through the Sisters she led, her legacy spread, With compassion and kindness, A-live, A-live Oh.
A-live, A-live Oh. A-live, A-live Oh. With compassion and kindness, A-live, A-live Oh.
When kind Angeline died, the world stopped and cried, And the Pope in fair Rome said we honor her life.
First Beatification, then canonization, With compassion and kindness, A-live, A-live Oh.
A-live, A-live Oh. A-live, A-live Oh. With compassion and kindness, A-live, A-live Oh.

Contact David McCrory at gardens@planethorticulture.com for more information.

Mother Angeline Concert in Rome, Italy (124 KB)

 

Story Contribution: Sister Kevin Patricia, O.Carm.

Photo Courtesy: Saint Patrick's Home

Saint Patrick's Home honored Our Lady during our May Crowning held at our facility.  The Eucharistic celebration included our residents' choir, students from the Avila Institute of Gerontology Spiritual Care Program who participated in the readings and distribution of Communion and some of the children from the local community. One of the girls crowned Mary. Refreshments were provided from our Café after Mass.

CLICK PHOTO

 

Story Contribution by  Stacey Sumereau

Photo Credit: Google

"The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm recently formalized a groundbreaking palliative care program that raises new standards for palliative and end-of-life care in the United States.  Kaplan Multimedia, Inc. teamed up with the Carmelite Sisters to produce a thirteen-minute film capturing the hallmarks of the program titled The Difference Is Love. The film's excellence was recognized with a nomination for a 2017 Suncoast Emmy Award under the category "Societal Concerns."

Palliative Care, often confused with hospice care, is specialized pain relief that can be administered to anyone with a serious illness, even if he or she has no life-limiting prognosis.  The Carmelite Sisters' philosophy that life is precious until the end, stands in stark contrast to the movement of promoting physician-assisted suicide throughout our country. Not only does The Difference Is Love highlight the Carmelite Sisters' unique approach, but it also tells the stories of those whose lives have been made better by the program.  The message is a hopeful one, that holistic, loving care and a natural death are a better alternative to an earlier death from a belief that life as an elder is meaningless.  " It was affirming to know that the National Academy of Arts and Sciences recognized the importance of Palliative Care and its significance to our elders and those who are facing debilitating illnesses," said Sr. Peter Lillian, O.Carm., Director of Avila Institute of Gerontology (AIG), the Carmelite Sisters' Educational arm.

Joe Kaplan, director of photography, and Linda Corley, writer and producer, each bring over thirty years of experience in the film industry and a combined twenty-one Emmy nominations and fifteen awards to their work. "It's one of my most meaningful nominations because the subject matter has significant impact on society. It's gratifying to be in a field where your information helps direct, inform, and enlighten," said Linda Corley. Stacey Sumereau served as Associate Producer, and John Sumereau served as Production Assistant."

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To learn more about the work of the Avila Institute of Gerontology and Palliative Care, visit the AIG's website at http://carmelitepalliative.org/  

 

You can also visit Stacey Sumereau's website and podcast on this link: https://www.staceysumereau.com/podcast 
 

 

 

On May 8, 2019, Saint Teresa's Motherhouse held a special luncheon to recognize employees who have rendered the Avila Community dedicated service of five, ten and thirty five years in their various areas of expertise.  Pictured below were those who received from Mother Mark, Prioress General,  their  Recognition Plaque and token of appreciation.  Sister Francis Patrick, local Prioress, opened the gathering with a prayer and welcome address.

Regine Lambrech - 5 Years (Congregational Archivist)

Mary Ann Iaccino- 5 years (The Mother Angeline Society Secretary)

Patrick Orendack- 10 years (Maintenance Crew)

Bill Clark- 35 years (Director of Maintenance)

Those who were recognized but unable to attend the event were Trish Gathers (5 years, Carmelite System Chief Operating Officer), Marlaina Cataldi (5 years, Carmelite System) and Erin Pietrak (10 years, The Avila Institute of Gerontology).

We wish to thank all of our dedicated employees who collaborate with the Sisters to make alive our core values of Compassion, Hospitality, Shared Commitment and Sanctity of Life in our ministry to the elderly during these challenging times.  God bless you all!

CLICK PHOTO

 

Story Contribution: Mother Mark Louis Anne, O.Carm.

On April 6, 2019 the first training session for potential Mother Angeline Ministers of Care was held at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita, Kansas. This beautiful retreat house is sponsored by the diocese, and a weekend retreat for engaged couples and a Hispanic spiritual program were held at the same time as our training sessions. Entering the front door of the retreat house brings one past lifelike sculptures depicting the wedding at Cana. There are also very devotional outdoor stations of the Cross, and walking trails around a small lake. Across from the Center is a continuing care retirement center also sponsored by the diocese. The lively faith of the people of Wichita is evident, and the sixty plus participants in the MAMC training were attentive and enthusiastic about serving the needs of the elderly. A quick ride downtown after the workshop brought us to the beautiful Native American statue named “Keeper of the Plains” and we even saw a rainbow after a brief shower. (No Judy Garland was not singing, and Toto was not running around).

Since more people signed up than could fit into the conference room, we will be returning to Wichita next March to repeat the workshop and hopefully provide a workshop for potential parish coordinators.

FORMATION WORKSHOP

Story Contribution: Sister Helena of Mary, O.Carm. 

 

On April 9-12, 2019, Sr. Helena of Mary and Sr. Lois Ann attended the Formators' Workshop sponsored by the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) at Malvern Retreat House in Malvern, PA.

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by Eileen Connely, The Catholic Telegraph

 

Sister Teresa Kathleen Dominick, O.Carm.

It was as a child that Sister M. Teresa Kathleen Dominick first became acquainted with the compassionate and skilled ministry of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. The community, founded by Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa, ministers to the elderly in the person of Christ, while always returning to the spiritual mount of prayer and contemplation.

“I met our sisters at our home in Chicago when I was in the sixth grade,” Sister Kathleen recalled. “They were very down to earth, happy in what they were doing, and clearly loved caring for the residents.”

Sister Kathleen said she “fell in love with caring for the elderly,” too, and has been a Carmelite for 57 years.

The sisters minister in long-term healthcare, assisted living and independent living facilities located primarily in the United States, with one home in Ireland. In the archdiocese, they operate St. Margaret Hall, where Sister Kathleen serves as a resident representative and family advocate, along with being involved in pastoral ministry. Her role, she explained, is to welcome new residents, visiting daily for the first two weeks to ensure they feel comfortable and are adjusting to the change in environment. Sister Kathleen also spends time with residents’ relatives, answering questions and offering reassurance.

“They are turning the care of their family members over to us, many after caring for them for a long time,” she said. “Once they learn we can do the same thing they did at home, they can relax, spend time with their family members, and love them. We provide the physical care, and they can be the emotional support.”

“I tell people that the elderly give so much more to us than we give to them,” Sister Kathleen said. “They share their love, their wisdom, their appreciation for our care. They don’t ask a lot, just to be recognized as a person and to know that someone cares about them. That’s the best gift we can give to any of our residents.”

 

ORIGINAL  ARTICLE

 

SAINT PATRICK'S MANOR, FRAMINGHAM, MA

by Sister Lois Ann, O.Carm.

Our Postulants joined six of our Sisters from Marian Manor and St. Patrick’s Manor for a visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor in Sommerville, MA for the Day of Consecrated Life. The Little Sisters hosted the event at their lovely facility. Religious communities from around the greater Boston area were invited. The day started with Mass followed by a delicious lunch with entertainment by the communities represented. Our own Sister Brigid, played the spoons, as our Postulants joined in singing along with Little Sister of the Poor Sister Elizabeth Ann. It was a beautiful experience of community among the Religious of the Diocese of Boston.

 

 

The Super Bowl split our Postulant community right down the middle!! The Sisters from Ohio to California went with the Rams, and the Sisters from New York to Florida, supported the Patriots. We will all be friends on Monday!! There was a Ram contingent among the Professed Sisters as well so we were not totally alone up here in Massachusetts Patriot Country!!

 

ON-THE-ROAD EVENT, IOWA

by Sister Patricia Margaret, O.Carm.

Attended the Red Mass and Dinner with Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York in Iowa. The Sisters attending ended up sitting in the front row at the Cathedral
and Cardinal Dolan told everyone present that the Carmelite Sisters were here and he looked at us and said, "I really love you Sisters!"

 
 

SAINT TERESA'S MOTHERHOUSE, GERMANTOWN, NEW YORK

by Sister Helena of Mary, O.Carm.

Some Avila and Formation Sisters attended Mass for World Day of Consecrated Life with Bishop Edward Scharfenberger as celebrant at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on February 2, 2019.  The event was attended by members of  several religious communities. Sister Helena of Mary was invited to be lector and Sister Mary of Jesus was one of the Eucharistic Ministers.

 

GARVEY MANOR, HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA

by Holly Keller

The robotic pets at Garvey Manor Nursing Home are amazing! Our residents love them. So blessed to have this opportunity through our CMP grant.

Story Contributor: Mother Mark Louis Anne, O.Carm.

On January 5, an open house and blessing was held to celebrate the completion of the renovation to the convent at Mary Manning Walsh Home. Previously, the convent occupied space on both the 15 ^th and 16^th floor of the facility. Now the convent is located only on the 16 ^th floor, which allowed for the expansion of the Dawn Green Hospice unit to encompass the whole 15 ^th floor. A win-win for the convent and the facility! Fr. Simeon blessed the renovated space to the delight of the Sisters, who have lived with the chaos of renovation for a very long time. The refectory and community room were recreated on the 16 ^th floor, and the Sisters’ rooms made more barrier free. A spa room was also added to allow for handicap accessible bathing. We ask God’s blessings on this lovely space and all who helped create it.