In response to the great need for ESL tutors, several Sisters have become engaged in this ministry of teaching basic language skills. Sr. Angeline Sohler and Sr. Rita Rose Stohosky are working with several students who are employees at Maryville Nursing Home. Sisters Ina Marie, Rita Rose Stohosky, Marianne Giesel, and Anna Hertel volunteer either one or two evenings a week at St. Anthony Parish in Tigard. In addition, Sr. Anna Hertel is now coaching her second student in preparation for taking the citizenship test. Recently, Sisters Rita Rose, Angeline Sohler and Paula Fox attended the workshops on various aspects of tutoring organized by the Portland Literacy Council.

Sr. Lawdean Lamberger received her “report card” noting the number of hours she volunteered at Medical Teams International in 2008. Her volunteer hours of service at this worthy organization totaled 113! Her tasks as a “bin packer” fit her accounting skills perfectly: sort, count, and organize. The mission of Medical Teams International is to demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world. To learn more about the organization, google Medical Teams International.

In a recent article in the Archdiocesan Spanish Language newspaper, El Centinela, on the International Day of the Woman, Sr. Juanita Villarreal was among the women leaders in the Hispanic community who were acknowledged for their contribution to the welfare of others. A translation of the statement: “The Hispanic Community of St. Joseph’s Church in Salem has, in this Sister, a helping hand and the spiritual support of a person that truly serves in the name of God. She admires the honesty of the Hispanics and works day after day to serve this diverse community that lives their faith”. Congratulations, Sr. Juanita!

Over 350 sixth grade students gathered at St. Pius X Parish on March 19 for a Vocation Rally sponsored by the Archdiocesan Vocation Office, the region’s vocation directors, and the Serra Club. Having served on the organizing committee, Sr. Charlene Herinckx found that the day went very smoothly and heard positive feedback from the students, teachers and exhibitors. After the general assembly, one of the activities that the students rotated through was the exhibit hall which featured displays from various religious communities and Mt. Angel Seminary. Sr. Marianne Giesel and Sr. Rose Mary Heineck who staffed the SSMO display table were did not seem a bit overwhelmed when 120 students entered the room!

With the theme Love Unfolding . . . Igniting Our Yes, the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 2009 drew around 40,000 participants and hundreds of speakers. Among the participants were Sisters Catherine Hertel, Rita Rose Stohosky, Marianne Giesel, and Juana Gutierrez and their co-workers Xiomara Cerrud, Suzy Gonzalez, and Lupita Beadle. With literally hundreds of workshops (in English, Spanish and Vietnamese) to chose from and well-prepared culturally diverse liturgies, the attendees had only positive comments to make. Recently these seven enthusiastic participants reported at a gathering of Sisters about the experience. For the co-workers attending, sharing life while traveling with the Sisters was a bonus!

In February Sr. Mary Ellen Hanson was asked to present to the Fibromyalgia Support Group at Elsie Stuhr Center in Beaverton the topic: Health Care Buddy: a Medical Companion. She explained how the role of a Health Care Buddy differs from Power of Attorney for Health Care. Everyone present could identify a Health Care Buddy for themselves, except one person who came to appreciate the need for a caring friend as a health care buddy.

In 1887, March 25 was named Foundress Day for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. Ever since, throughout the month of March, the Sisters have celebrated the day when the first Sister professed her vows by educating the campus about their mission, vision and charism. This year, the Sisters celebrated their Heritage month with the entire school community through a variety of prayer services and gatherings.

At the Early Learning School, the Sisters were treated to songs and presentations by the little ones, including a rousing rendition of “Old McDonald” replaced with words of their own. (With a Convent here, and a Convent there . . .) Several of the Sisters then visited the classrooms, shared snacks and answered questions about what it is like to live as a Sister in the SSMO Community.

The elementary children held a prayer service and Principal Friesen compared the Sisters’ core values and mission statement with the mission statement for Valley Catholic Elementary School. Valley Catholic School President Sister Rita Watkins talked about how the students “strive for excellence” when they participate at Mass, are kind on the playground, act considerately toward visitors and do their best in their schoolwork.

The middle school students gathered in the Sisters’ dining room for cookies, cider, tea and conversation. Questions were asked like, “So why did you decide to become a Sister,” and “What did you do before you entered the Convent?”

The high school held a prayer service in the Sisters’ chapel featuring special readings and music performed by a choir directed by Sr. Julia Monti.