Submitted by SSMO Foundation Development Director Sharlayne Buuck

On a sunny Saturday morning in May, folks gathered in the convent dining room for a Bethany Center workshop. Sr. Mary Bertoli, SNJM, a nationally recognized artist, shared stories about her time in the south, and how the unique people she encountered there inspired her. Sr. Mary uses torn tissue paper as her medium to create pieces of art that reflect the time she spent in the south. She highlighted the relationship between creativity and spirituality.

Two tables in the dining hall, heaped with brightly colored tissue paper, awaited guests. This tissue paper, in a multitude of colors, patterns and sizes, was soon to have new life! The sun crept in through the windows as those attending the workshop began to work on their own masterpieces. With Sr. Mary’s gentle guidance, everyone attending felt a sense of creativity. Each artist was encouraged to name their piece of art and share the story behind their new creation. It was a morning well spent!

The 2012-2013 Bethany Center Workshop schedule will be out soon. We are excited to offer a number of workshops beginning in the fall that will appeal to a variety of interests. Everyone is welcome to attend Bethany Center workshops. For more information, email Sr. Noreen or call her at 503-644-9181.

Dear Families and Friends,

We are hoping that you noticed that you did not receive the June edition of  A View from the Dome on June 1! (We won’t ask for a show of hands!) We have concluded that it would be helpful to set the first Wednesday of each month as our publication date in order to avoid weekends.

Summer does not mean much of a slow down in activities for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. June started with our participation in Beaverton’s Recycle Day and August concludes with our annual garage sale. Each month we will share with you the activities’ highlights and photos.

Meanwhile, may our summer days be not too hot and not too wet as we enjoy the beauty of God’s creation all around us.

Blessings,

Sr. Charlene Herinckx
Superior General

The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon recently concluded their first year of teaching for their ESOL program (English for Speakers of Other Languages). On May 15, students joined the Sisters and their family members for a final demonstration of their language skills and an international potluck. While Beginner I students read stories from primers, more advanced students read their own creations. Besides learning linguistic skills, students have formed lasting relationships with each other and with their teachers. Each student received a certificate in honor of their progress in learning English. Most students will be returning next fall for more advanced studies.

Approximately 20 ESOL volunteers celebrated at a final gathering on May 17 at the SSMO’s “Villa” and will be on deck again when classes begin again on Sept. 18, 2012.

In 1534, with his close friend, St. John Fisher, St. Thomas More refused to render allegiance to the King as the Head of the Church of England and was confined to the Tower.

To read more about this honorable man who put God above the king, click here.

When asked about her call to religious life, Sister Diana Jean commented, “I drove by the Motherhouse building of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon every day and I was intrigued by what might be inside. The beautiful building seemed to call to me.

“For several months I read the advertisement about discernment retreats and would always have reasons why it wasn’t possible. Then came that weekend that I had nothing else to do and no reason not to attend. I called Sister Catherine Hertel in April of 1998 and by August of 1998 I was living in the discernment house on the campus.”

Sister Diana Jean entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon after having raised a family. She brought to the Community accounting skills and is currently the General Ledger Accountant for the SSMO Foundation and SSMO Ministries Corporations.

Sister Diana Jean likes living in community and being a part of a positive organization that makes a difference in the lives of people. She has found that she is among like-minded people with similar values. She appreciates shared prayer every day and daily Eucharist at the Convent Chapel.

Sister Diana Jean enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. Her hobbies include quilt making, gardening and reading.

-Prepared by Sr. Krista von Borstel, SSMO

Submitted by SSMO Foundation Staff Grace Le Chevallier, Helen Connor and Sharlayne Buuck

Six weeks ago when we were asked to consider joining the Sisters on their bus trip to Sacramento to see the “Women & Spirit” exhibit at the California Museum, we were thrilled with the opportunity and unsure of what the trip would hold. There was no doubt in our minds that the three of us were honored to be invited.

Two days prior to our departure, we were presented with a travel book complete with an itinerary, bus games, prayers and songs. The familiar songs, Mockingbird Hill, You Are My Sunshine and Clementine, immediately sent the message that this was sure to be a joyful event.

We knew the Sisters were being provided with treat bags for the trip, but it was a pleasant surprise to find out that we had been included as well. The bags, hand stitched by Sr. Diana Jean, were filled with goodies to enjoy along the way.

Our send off to Sacramento at 8 a.m. on a Friday at the end of April was a touching moment, with many Sisters present to wave goodbye. When we boarded the bus, familiar faces appeared different to us as we saw some Sisters in casual, vacation clothing and not the typical black, blue and white. The Sisters made us feel so welcome and included that it did not take us long to feel comfortable.

With 34 passengers aboard, the bus was buzzing with excitement. Until then, we had no idea that a trip like this was such a rare occurrence for the Community. Knowing this made being a part of the trip that much more special.

Viewing the exhibit gave us a clear understanding of the role Sisters played in history. It was encouraging to see that the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon mirror the stories that were shared at the exhibit. The exhibit opened our eyes to the endless roles that women religious have in our society today.

The trip to Sacramento gave us the opportunity to deepen our personal relationships with the Sisters. We spent a total of 24 hours traveling on the bus together. During the weekend we dined with them, we attended Mass together, we prayed and laughed together. They extended the warmth of their Community to us and to all with whom they came in contact with throughout the weekend.

As we reflect on the trip we genuinely feel it exceeded our expectations. We will recall the weekend with fond memories, and truly feel it was a chance of a lifetime!

Having trouble viewing the slideshow? Click here.

Submitted by Sister Krista von Borstel, SSMO

The 125th Jubilee Year for Sisters was capped in a grand way by a weekend trip to Sacramento to view the LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious) traveling exhibit “Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America” at the California Museum. Twenty-seven Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, along with a seven other companions, made the chartered bus trip leaving Friday morning April 27 and returned two and half days later.

Saturday morning the Sisters arrived at the museum at 10 a.m. The exhibit explored many areas of contribution the Sisters made in America. Hardships in the young country called for heroic efforts on the part of all and the Sisters responded by taking care of some of the most dramatic needs of the times. These women had roles in education, social work and healthcare that were unprecedented at the time.

Cokie Roberts, news analyst and author, sums it up in her description of the project:

“From the time the Ursulines arrived in New Orleans in 1727 up to today, women religious have made an incalculable contribution to this nation. Running schools, hospitals and orphanages from America’s earliest days, these women helped foster a culture of social service that has permeated our society. Over the centuries these courageous women overcame many obstacles–both physical and cultural–to bring their civilizing and caring influence to every corner of the country. Understanding and celebrating the history of women religious is essential to understanding and celebrating the history of America.”

Everyone in the group was moved by the exhibit and lengthy conversations were held the rest of the day. The Sisters made their way to other parts of the city to see the sites in Sacramento before the 5 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral.
The group left Sacramento for Beaverton Sunday morning at 8 a.m. and returned at 8 p.m. It was a very memorable trip for all who participated.

Having trouble viewing the slideshow? Click here.

Submitted by Sister Krista von Borstel, SSMO

First of all…what exactly is a “blog?”  A blog is a personal journal published on the World Wide Web consisting of entries that may be written words or recorded in an audio or video format.  “Blog” comes from the two words “web” and “log.”  The words web and log smoosh together to become “blog!”  And there you have it!

Blogging fits me well because I like to write, take still and live photos and record sounds.  Blogging is an enjoyable format for me to share what is going on behind the scenes at CYO/Camp Howard where I serve as Executive Director and at home in the convent.

I embraced the social media because I work with youth and I want to speak their language and provide feedback to them in a way to which they can relate.  A natural “archivist” at heart, these formats provide a historical document that can be returned to years later to experience change and growth sort of like the new timeline on Facebook.

I am able to see statistics on my blog, including how many people have viewed it today and every day since I started!  It does not tell me who visited unless they leave a comment.  I really enjoy comments so if you visit, be sure to say hello!

I enjoy posting videos of championship games.  I can see the activity after school gets out and the kids are watching them as it is evident by the statistics.  I like to have interesting pictures to post and people enjoy seeing what is going on at Camp Howard.

Writing about convent life seems to be interesting to people as well and I enjoy sharing our life with people.  Teasing people with topic titles is fun and my favorite was “How Did CYO Know that St. Pius X would Win the Fourth Grade Boys Championship?”  Lots of people read that entry and of course the reason we knew was that St. Pius X played St. Pius X!  But the title teased them into reading it and that is all part of the fun!

You can follow my blog here: http://sisterkrista.wordpress.com/ Happy reading!

You can also follow Sr. Krista on Facebook here.

Stepping in for his brother who fell too ill to go to the Hawaiian Islands as assigned, St. Damien forever changed the lives of those suffering from leprosy on the Island of Molokai.

To read more about his selfless acts of love, kindness and and charity, please click here.

Dear Families and Friends,

I’ve heard from several readers who have expressed appreciation for the monthly biography of a saint and for the related reflection questions. I am confident that you will appreciate the courage and Christ-like love of the saint featured this month. St. Damien of Molokai was the Belgian-born missionary called to serve the poorest of the poor (lepers) in Hawaii. We celebrate his life in a special way on May 10th each year.

In this newsletter you will read about our trip to Sacramento this past weekend to see the Women and Spirit exhibit; receive an invitation to a workshop on May 5 incorporating art and spirituality; and learn about our blogging Sisters.

For the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, May is a special month as we honor Mary as our model and inspiration for Christian living. May Mary our Mother, guide and inspire you.

Blessings,
Sr. Charlene Herinckx