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!

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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

As you may have gathered from my last blog, I am something of a movie enthusiast. I am short of being a cinephile, but only because I have found a calling to something greater in my life. When I moved into the convent, I gave away many possessions and even canceled my Netflix subscription. This move has been a blessing in so many ways. One such example is that it has been the impetus for my re-connection with the public library system, which has enabled me to enjoy books, movies, and audio books at a price in keeping with the vow of poverty (free). I am glad to be able to share this blessing with my Sisters when I bring home videos at their request (or on my recommendation) for them to enjoy.

As part of our community’s commitment to caring for the earth through sustainable practices, I try to walk (rather than drive) to the library whenever possible. During my last trip to the library, I enjoyed the weather of a gorgeous spring day when the blue sky was speckled with wisps of clouds, the grass seemed as green as could be, and blossoms were giving way to new leaves. A day like that can bring out the whimsy in me, so I took a side street that I had never walked before. I was so glad I did. I was blessed to see a part of my neighborhood that was unknown to me. I was delighted by the number of roofs with solar panels, entertained by the folk art, and intrigued by a wooden wagon displaying homegrown bouquets for sale. As long as my walk was, I found it invigorating and refreshing to witness so many sights that were new to me.

When my desire to sit in a dark room watching prerecorded mass entertainment can actually compel me take a walk that enables me to appreciate the transitory beauty of nature and the people who surround me, I know that God must be at work in my life in mysterious ways…and that God has a sense of humor.

In this workshop we can “let go” and let creative energy flow into an art form of paper collage. Click here to learn more. Adults only please!

Location:
SSMO Motherhouse
on the corner of TV Highway and Murray Boulevard
4440 SW 148th Avenue
Beaverton, OR 97007

Well, I’m back in the classroom after a refreshing spring break. Over the break, I had the opportunity to see two movies in the theater: The Hunger Games and October Baby.

I indulged in watching The Hunger Games as part of a friend’s birthday celebration. I had read the book last spring in order to stay current with today’s literature, and I found that I really enjoyed it. In case either of my readers is unfamiliar with the story, let me give a brief description: it’s a coming of age story about a teenage girl who volunteers to take her sister’s place as a “tribute” in a gladiator-like competition. Her courage, skill, intellect, compassion, and naïveté make her a captivating character, and the images described in the book make for a visually delightful movie. My friend was a little weary of watching this movie as it has often been compared to Lord of the Flies, but as this movie brings a message of hope in the power of the human spirit, she enjoyed it as much as I did.

I wrapped up my spring break by organizing a trip to watch October Baby. Sr. Ruth Etzel and I wanted to support this movie because we heard that it is a wholesome movie with a Pro-life message. After coordinating our schedules, I put up a notice of invitation to our fellow Sisters. With only a few hours notice, we managed to gather a group of eight Sisters to attend this positive and moving film that is inspired by true events. Everyone who attended was deeply touched by this story of a young woman learning about herself, her family, and how to forgive. I think we all highly recommend this film, and I think we can all agree: this movie requires A LOT of tissues.

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