REALITY. Vision You DHS Spirit

•S p S Visi o Winter 2014 H You•D • n irit ~ Together in the Spirit we transform today’s vision into tomorrow’s reality ~ REALITY Vision • Yo...
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•S p

S

Visi o

Winter 2014

H

You•D • n

irit

~ Together in the Spirit we transform today’s vision into tomorrow’s reality ~

REALITY

Vision • You • DHS • Spirit

REALITY

n o i i n s to Reality i Corporate V Office of Development/Advancement Daughters of the Holy Spirit

72 Church Street • Putnam, Connecticut 06260 • 860-928-0891 x 148 • [email protected]

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Special thanks to YOU for transforming our vision into reality. Master Donors

Patrons

Mary-Ann Bunting Raymond & Frances Giunta Support our Aging Religious Est. of Msgr. Joseph V. Sirois

Mary & Arturo Araya Denise Archambault Dennis & Barbara Asselin Jeannette M. Auger Bernard P. & Anne Auger Paul A. Babineau Raymond P. Babineau Lauretta Bauer Eleanor D. Bays Rene Bertrand Mr. & Mrs. Richard D. Berube Nancy D. Berube, M.D. Roland Bessette Marilyn Boisvert Georgianna Booth Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Bouchard Armand Boutin Robert & Colette Bouvier Marie Brassard & Edna Raine Vincent & Mary Breglio James Bronson John & Joyce Brouillard Thomas & Kathleen Byrne Ms. Betty Cadieux Arthur, Margaret & W. Callahan Mr. & Mrs. J. Anthony Capon, Jr. Linda Carlson Catholic Daughters Of America Maurice & Pauline Charbonneau Ronald Coderre Ms. Julianne Sharratt William Corriveau Mr. & Mrs. Rene Cote Janice E. Couture Patricia Cowles Custom Manufacturing Solutions Marion Denegre Andrea Descoteaux Wilfred and Cecé Despathy Sr. Lorraine Deziel Thomas C. Dodge Rachelle Doyon, SB DHS Patricia Dube Richard J. Ellis James & Elaine Ellis Jeanette C. Ellis Robert & Theresa Fedorchek Michelle A. Ferrucci Susan Fortin Maureen Frey Paulette Gagne Cletus & Donna Gagne Louise D. Gagnon David & Rachel Galipeau Sylvia Gebo Mr. & Mrs. Norman Gileau Diane Giroux Roger Gosselin Monique Greilich Pauline Guilfoyle Westa D. Hopkins

Major Donors Raymond Leclerc Est. of Marguerite Hazzard Phyllis Jezyk Ray & Pauline Sullivan Foundation

Benefactors Dr. Irene Allen Richard E. Belair Shirley Becker Rev. Albert E. Breton Delaney Memorial Foundation William & Rosemary Denton Diocesan Assistance Fund Gerald & Marilyn Fels Robert & Doris Frechette Friedrich Enterprises, L.P. William Greenwood Thomas Jochum Robert Kowalski Theresa Laduke John Myers Cecile B. Powers Aurelia A. Treiber

Sponsors George J. Auger Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Boucher Cecile M. Bourgeois Dery Funeral Home Est. of Nicholas Caruso Kathleen J. Foley Rev Robert E. Gariepy L. Paul & Rachel Gariepy Gilman - Valade LLC Patricia Krodel Ladies of St. Anne Society Marie B. Marcoux Celeste Michalski Dr. & Mrs. Richard J. Miller David & Audrey Mordavsky Maurice H. Morin Jeanne & David Murphy George J. Pelletier Paul Poisson Tammy A. Rovero Adolfina Ruiz Peter & Marie Winner

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Cheryl Hurley Marguerite Janelle Patrick & Sandra Kelly Ms. Shirley Lamothe Ladies of Ste. Anne - Swanton VT Gerald Antonio Lagace Sr. Imelda Lagace, DHS Frank & Eileen Lane Leo & Murielle Langlois Eileen Lanier Norman Lapointe Gerald Legace Dorothy A. Lewis Albert W. & Jill Longchamp Louise E. Longo Paul J. & Jeanne Lynskey H. Paul & Dace Madore Diane L. Manning Camillo Marzinotto Ms. Anita McFadden Francis McGarry Mr. & Mrs. John M. McGeowan George & Lea Miller Bernard R. Moreau Jennie, Norah, & Luc Myers Gerard A. Noel Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Guild Marie A. Pelletier Theresa Pelletier Robert Pepin Helen Marie Phelan Diane Ponsiglione Theresa Poole Anne & Bob Prensner Mari-Ann Pronovost Rocco Pugliese James J. Quinn, Jr. Roger & Barbara Raboin Mona Radei Rev. Charles H. Ranges Rosemarie Ravenelle Vivian Reddy Victor & Margaret Rogusky Barbara Rosenfeld Carol and John Rota Virginia Sanborn Lorraine A. Scheetz Carole A. Schermann Stephen L. Sikora Enata Skrupskelis Mr. & Mrs. William H. St. Onge Ellen Standtke Peggy Tenczar Annette Thoubboron Diane & Louis Toth Marie E. Tousignant Mrs. J. P. Tozzi Jane Traynor Aurelia A. Treiber Julia Turzo Maurice & Claire Walsh Robert P. Wildes, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Mark A. Ziello

Special thanks to YOU for transforming our vision into reality. Assistants Diane Allen Antonio F. Almeida Arlene Altmeier Mary Anderson Sharon Arbo Theresa C. Arias Heather A. Arrigoni Thomas & Patricia Atkins Paul Aubuchon Denise Barewicz Kathleen Barry Diane Bates Josephine C. Belanger Mr. & Mrs. Andy Bennett Sue Benoit Gail T. Benson Armand & Carol Bergeron Robert, Florence & K. Bernier Mr. Rene Berry Anne Marie Berthiaume, DHS Sr. Marie Jeannette Berube Lisa Bessette Rita Bisaillon Julie Bisaillon Patricia Blais, DHS Denise Bluick Elaine Bolduc Melissa & Peter Bonin George & Gertrude Bordua Richard Bradley Jeannette Bradley Lois G. Brelsford Patricia Brennan Dorothy Brindamour Aurise Brouillard Gisele Brouillard, DHS Judith Buchert Diane M. Bushey Gloria Caldarone Juliette Campbell Louise Carbone Jeanne Carpenter James Casey Lucile Cashin Noreen A. Chapman Cecile Charpentier Christian Charron Laura Chartier Rose Marie Chicoine Phyllis Chlastawa Raymonde Choiniere Margaret Chominski Pauline Chouinard, SFCC Dorothy Ciliano Bernard B. Clark Margot Cleary Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Clement Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clouart Carol & Peter Collette Carol Corbeil Robert Corda

Pauline Rita Cormier Diane & Gary Correia Louise Costello Alfred J. Coté Anita Coulombe Paul & Christine Cournoyer Claude Couture Gary S. Coviello Irene Crabtree Nicholas Curtin DOHS Patrimony Fund Kathleen M. Dalbec Mr. & Mrs. Jospeph Deangelis Cecile Debettencourt Chalice Dechene Mr. & Mrs. Walter E. Decker Alice M. Deloge Mary Dempsey Gari & Colleen Depasse Clairette Desabrais Yvon & Lorraine Desaulniers Lorrie D. Devine Linda Diaz Beverly B. Doyon Rina Dubin Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Dumaine Emma Dupuis Georgette M. Duval Scott & Mary Beth Eldridge Claire M. Evans Jeannine Farineau Anna Flaherty Brian Fleming Richard & June Foisy Diane Fontaine Leona Fontaine Pauline M. Forgue Irene Fortier, DHS Mr. & Mrs. William J. Fournier Janice Frank Blanche Fraser Timothy Frey Rita P. Frigon Clodomiro & Beatrice Gabriele Laura Gagnon Woodford Paul Gardner Germaine Gaudreau Helen Gawron Paul & Rose Gencarella Mr. & Mrs. Paul Gervasi Patricia Gianatasio Margaret Gibson Lillian Gibson Sharon Giguere John & Janet Giuliano Blanche Gosselin Mr. & Mrs. David Gravel Madeline Gregoire, DHS Constance Griswold Marion Grourke Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Guillot Eugene Guterch Mary Lorraine Hart Allan & Janet Hertzmark

Wanda A. Hicks Margo Hikida Jeanne Hiscock Linda Houghton Donna Huska Dede Ingle, SB DHS Shirley Jewell Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Johnson Alta Jones John & Lois Kasarauskas Lucille Kelly Jeanette Kenefick Dolores B. Kingsbury Constance Knowles Robert Krajewski Carol Krause Nancy E. LaBarge Dianne Labonte Pauline T. Lachance Theresa Laduke Sr. Marie Gertrude Laliberte Fernande Laliberté, DHS Wilbur Lamica, Jr Elaine Lamothe Lisa J. Landone Sr. Gertrude Lanouette, DHS Judith Larson Peter & Vicki Latorre Ann Laurion Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Lawlor Jeanne Leduc Jeanne Lemire Vito Leo Joan Leonard Julien & Janine Lessard Annette Liljegren Roger & Marilyn Livingston Angela Lynch Sandra Macaione Lorraine Mailhot Eugene Malek Frank Manfredi Art & Donna Manseau Florence Martin Lucy Matarese Jeannine Mathieu Shirley M. Maynard Marie Mayotte Mary Mazur Rachel J. McGourthy Lisa McKenzie Gloria & Stanley Meholilo Genevieve A. Mello Marsha A. Miller Ann Milner Karen Mitchell William & Mary Molina David & Carol Moquin Mariette J. Moreau Monique Morimoto Louis & Dolores Morin Paulette Morkys

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Special thanks to YOU for transforming our vision into reality. Assistants Cont. Abigail Nakolski Dawn Naples John & Lucille Naughton Helynne Nelson Frederick & Lucille Nelson Paula Nelson Jeffrey L. Newth Carol Nido Katherine T. Nolan Dr. & Mrs. Fred Norman Katherine O’Brien Linette Ohanian James O’Keefe Mr. & Mrs. Robert Olson Ann O’neill Margaret O’Regan Robert F. Orintas Mr. & Mrs. Gary W. Osbrey Lynette Ouelette Gloria Ouimette Our Lady of Guadalupe Cmty Anamae Packo Sr. Mary Ruth Page, DHS Kate Palovcak Barbara Paradis Florence Parker Lucille Parsons Cecile Y. Pedone Nicole & Paul Pelletier Beverly Pepin Marion Pepin, DHS Robert & Jane Perigard Caroline Perron Constance Perron, DHS Lisa Perry Richard & Anita Perry Cecile Peterson Barth Phelan Gloria R. Piccicuto Mrs. Pinasco Louise (Trahan) Pockoski Linda and Dennis Poulton Cecile B. Powers Laima Price Catherine Pritchard Shirley Prouty Provincial House Community Susan Puzycki Philip & Martha Racine Edna Raine Rev Marcel Rainville Robert W. Raum Estelle Raye Robert & Theresa Reddy Irene Remillard Lorrete Rillo Jacqueline Robillard, DHS Carol Rodriguez Marsha Rollinson Patti Roma-Brooks 4

Delores Ross Donna Rossi Gloria Roy Suzanne Y. Rufiange Karen Rush Nancy Ryan Constance Salvas Gertrude Salvas Jeanne Santiago Marcelle Sarrasin Harriet Sawczuk Debbie Scavo Elizabeth Schafer Frand & Sandra Scopelliti Lucille & Frank Seeburg Mr. & Mrs. Robert Shaffer John Shontell Carol K. Silva Phyllis Smith Sr. Eileen Smith, DHS Mary Lou Smith, DHS Claudia Smith Burt Smith Marilyn Sohoel Mildred Sokolowski John & Ellen Soracchi Bruce & Cheryl Spaulding Gerard St. Amand Norman & Jeanne St. Pierre Angelo Stagnaro Rosa Stehli Darlene Stubbe The Noel Rousseau Family Martha Thomas Ellen C. Thompson Doris Threadgill Jeannette Tierney Anthony Torsiello Pauline Towle Debra Toy Rudolph & Jacqueline Trahan John & Louisa Trakas TRUIST Sylvia Tutty Mary Vandi Cheryl Veilleux Edward & Kathleen Vowles Catherine Walker Mary T. Wantuck Janet Watson Chester R. Williams Sonja Wood Ann Dargis Wyatt Francine Zottoli

Card Program Only Lucille Abondolo Sr. Annette Beauregard Anne Marie Berthiaume Joan Blais Patricia Blais, DHS

Elaine Bolduc, DHS Jeanne Bordner Sr. Norma Bourdon, DHS Patti Brooks Gisele Brouillard, DHS Patricia Calzadillas Carmen Carbonneau, DHS Irene Charpentier, DHS Christian Charron Dorothy Ciliano Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clouart Patricia Collins Lorena D. Dutelle Annette Farley, DHS Catherine Fazzina Leona Fontaine Marilyn C. Frank Donna Gagnon Marie Gavin Margaret Gibson Sr. Diane Gillis, DHS Michele Giovanni Margaret F. Gorra-Porter Gabrielle Grenache Claudette Huot, DHS Louise B. Labrecque Ladies of Ste. Anne - Swanton VT Denise LaFreniere Cecile Lebeau, DHS C.T. Marsh Marie McDonagh Judith Pauline McHugh Thomasina Mooney Patricia Moriarty Bonnie Morrow, DHS Helynne Nelson Priscilla Paradis, DHS Lisa Perry Anne Marie Pierro Claire Roland Poulin, DHS Susan Puzycki Estelle Raye Ramona Reichel Joseph Rettger Jacqueline Riley G.N. Roy Mr. & Mrs. Robert Shaffer Mary Lou Smith Sr. Catherine Sottak, DHS John & Louisa Trakas Anne Marie Tromeur, DHS Cheryl Veilleux Theresa Webber Barbara Wojcik Jessica Wolak

❤ In Loving Memory ❤ Sister Mary Ann (Madeleine David) Bisaillon, DHS June 14, 1924 October 4, 2013 Mary Ann was born on flag day in Hartford, Connecticut to the late Edouard and Marie Brisebois Bisaillon. Upon graduating from local schools, she entered the Congregation of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and pronounced her first religious vows on August 18, 1947 at the Provincial House in Putnam. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the Diocesan Sisters’ College, Sister began her long career in the ministry of teaching, a field that took her to schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, California and Alabama where she worked as teacher and principal touching the lives of thousands of children and families. Mary Ann also lent a helping hand at two guest houses for women administered by the Daughters of the Holy Spirit: St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth situated respectively in New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut. Sister began her retirement at St. Gertrude in Stockton, CA in 2001 and returned to the Provincial House in Putnam in 2003 where she continued to serve her Sisters in community in many thoughtful and practical ways. Sister will long be remembered for her enthusiasm and support of the San Francisco 49ers.

Sister Thérèse (Marguerite de l’Eucharistie) Laplante, DHS June 6, 1925 - October 18, 2013 Sister Thérèse was born into a close knit French Canadian family in Manchester, New Hampshire and enjoyed her childhood among her siblings and window shopping with her mom on Sunday afternoons. Although she attended local Catholic Schools staffed by other religious, she followed in one of her aunt’s footsteps and entered the Congregation of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, going to the Motherhouse in St. Brieuc, France to complete her novitiate and pronounce her first vows in 1950. Upon returning to the USA, the newly professed was assigned to work as a classroom teacher at St. Anne’s Parochial School in Waterbury, CT. Her heart, however, lay in nursing, and in 1953 she entered the LPN preparatory program at Holy Ghost Hospital in Cambridge, MA. Upon completing the required course of studies, the young religious eagerly set out on what would become a long, productive career in the health ministry, focusing particularly on home nursing in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. She dedicated the last 27 years of her career to ministering to the fragile and elderly of the greater Bridgeport area and, in retirement, shared many a wonderful story of the people and associations with and whom she had served during those very active years. Health issues brought Sister to join the DHS retirement community at the Provincial House in 2005 where she participated in as many activities and outings as possible, especially the regularly scheduled shopping trips. In 2008, she volunteered to assist in the Development Office and to accept the responsibility for processing Mass Card requests. She faithfully reported to her post and anticipated recognizing familiar names and corresponding with participants every Tuesday and Friday morning until early October when aggravated health problems brought about her transfer to the Health Care Center. Sister’s smile, efficient and loving service and the time at the end of each work session for sharing family moments from the present and years passed will long echo in our hearts and minds. Sister Marcelle (Anne Arthur) Frechette, DHS June 5, 1923 – December 6, 2013 Sister Marcelle was born to Arthur and Marie (Normand) Frechette in the textile city of Lawrence, Massachusetts. After high school she entered the Congregation of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit and pronounced her first vows at the Provincial House in Putnam in 1945. Like many of her peers in religious orders, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree while teaching in elementary schools that were under the sponsorship or administration of the Province. She taught in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Vermont and Canada. From the classroom Sister was assigned to St. Martin de Porres School in Alabama where she carried out her duties as Secretary and Cafeteria Manager. In 1987 Sr. Frechette returned to Putnam to provide a helping hand with a variety of domestic chores and tasks especially sewing and dress-making for herself and others at the Provincial House. One of her favorite activities was serving as a part time receptionist for the busy facility. While she had her regular hours at the front desk, she was always willing and happy to fill in for any of her colleagues, lay or religious, who could not make it in on a given day or time. Sister held this position until ill health forced her to retire in 2006 and to transfer to the Health Care Sector in 2007. The three Sisters lie at rest in the DHS plot at St. Mary Cemetery on Providence Street in Putnam. For further information about any one of them, please contact the provincial secretary at 860 928-0891 ext. 118 or [email protected] Memorial donations and/or memories to be shared may be sent to the Development Office at 72 Church Street, Putnam, CT 06260.

DHS Joins In New Inter-Parish Tradition On December 15, 2013 a new tradition began among the local parishes of St. Mary of the Visitation in Putnam, St. Joseph in North Grosvenordale, St. Stephen in Quinebaug, Most Holy Trinity in Pomfret. Also responding to the invitation was Sister Irene Fortier, DHS who is currently the archivist in residence at the Provincial House in Putnam. After all, how could Sister, who has an extensive background as musician and choir directress, resist the opportunity to be a part of this special choral group that was coming together for the first time just in time for the musical celebration of Christmas? The 22 member mixed chorus gathered before a large crowd in a splendidly and festively decorated St. Joseph Church in North Grosvenordale and offered fivepart harmony selections including ‘Gesú Bambino’, ‘Some Children See Him’, ‘Star of Bethlehem’, ’Jesus Christ, the Evergreen’, ‘Jesú, Joy of Man’s Desiring’, Caccini’s ‘Ave María’, ‘O Lux Beatíssima’, and ‘Christmas….in About Three Minutes’. The musical pieces were complimented by Scriptural Readings from both the Old and New Testaments that succinctly linked the past to the present, promise to fulfillment. The enthusiastic applause from the audience and the positive comments shared at the social that followed clearly made the hours of rehearsal worthwhile and offered a clear indication that this new tradition was off to a wonderful start. When asked about her reaction to her involvement in this cultural event, Sr. Irene unhesitatingly replied “I enjoyed having the opportunity of participating and meeting wonderful people. It provided an occasion for the Daughters of the Holy Spirit to be better known in the area.” Let’s all be on the lookout for the announcement of next year’s choral presentation. As they say: ‘See you in church.” 5

A Word from our Provincial Team Leader As I look at the Quinebaug River flowing past our home and down the picturesque little falls at the bottom of the hill, I wonder how much water has passed under that bridge in the nearly six years that I have been here. The river has been home and sanctuary to hundreds of Canada Geese; it has provided fishing fun and canoeing joy to hundreds of Putnamites and tourists; it has been a scenic backdrop on warm summer evenings with fires blazing on the water and soft strains of music filling the air. “…And I say to myself, ‘What a beautiful world.’” Then I hear of sickness, violence, natural disasters and untimely deaths, and I hear the words of the author of Psalm 42, “Where is your God?” And I thank God for all the good people who over the years have helped me see that God is in the sadness and desolation just as God is in the flowing waters.

I think of you, our friends and benefactors, and I realize how each of you has in some way been the personification of our charism; to be the tender face of our loving God. Your generosity to us during some hard economic times has been more than admirable and awe inspiring. You have helped us provide for our senior Sisters when there would have been no other way. You have been the embodiment of the “hundred fold,” and with much gratitude and humility I thank you. In the next few months many more gallons of water will flow under the bridge and many more geese will honk there arrival and departure. Life will quietly go on. In July, a new Provincial will watch the world evolve from this vantage point. I am sure that she, too, will be in awe at the goodness you, our many benefactors, are to us. We will continue to remember you before the Lord and ask our benevolent God to shower you with the Spirit’s most gracious gifts. I pray that in all circumstances you may know God’s presence and your heartfelt gratitude will resound with “….what a bountiful God.” In the Spirit, Sr. Norma Boudon, dhs Provincial

Annual Reunions Perpetuate Dhs Teaching Ministries Smiles, high pitched ‘hellos and how are you’s’ , hugs, sharing of family pictures and videos, stories about recent trips, new jobs, questions about exciting or strange adventures, personal and community losses and changes, quiet moments of reflection, rekindled memories and an abundance of delicious foods and beverages were standard fare at both the ANNHURST COLLEGE and the PUTNAM CATHOLIC ACADEMY alumni annual reunions that took place in September of 2013. As you scrutinize the photos that speak more than words can describe, and catch yourself saying: “why didn’t I go?”, just make a note of this year’s dates: Annhurst on Saturday, September 6th and PCA on Sunday, September 14th. For more information you may contact Mary LaChance (AC) 508 868-7121 or the Development Office (PCA) 860 928-0891 ext. 148.

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Provincial House Giving Tree Benefits Project Northeast It is a well-established and received tradition at the Provincial House for the Sisters in residence to invite friends and co-workers to join them in the decoration of the ‘Family Christmas Tree’ on December 9th of each year and then to extend the invitation for one and all to share in growing the pile of brightly and colorfully wrapped Christmas gifts to be offered to a local charitable organization for distribution to children. This year our community worked with Eleanor Baldoni, DHS, SB and Father Richard Archambault, co-directors of Project Northeast to provide a warmer Christmas experience for pre-teens and teens 10-14 years of age. A special presentation ceremony took place on the early afternoon of December 19th with a gathering of a good number of retired Sisters, house administrators including Sr. Norma and Gary Spieker, lay and religious staff and other guests during which the Director of the Office of Development that sponsors this annual activity, thanked all participants for the enthusiasm and interest they brought to this special community project that so clearly reflects the essential mission of the DHS: to reach out to others in need. Words of gratitude were expressed by Eleanor Baldoni and Fr. Richard nodded his approval as they prepared to return to their Center with their many bags of gifts for the numerous families they assist.

Notes From Our Donors It is always a delight for us to share short notes and messages that you, our benefactors, send or attach with your donations to and for our Sisters and Mission. We look forward to hearing from many more of you. From Leominster, MA the LaPlume’s write: “Please accept this small token of deep appreciation for all the Daughters of the Holy Spirit who guided us through our early years at St. Cecilia’s School. From the bottom of our hearts.” From Daly City, CA Florence Martin says: “It is a pleasure to always see Sisters Anne-Marie and Lucille at Sacred Heart Parish in Patterson. They are so gracious and helpful. I appreciate all they do.” From Farmington, CT Raymond and Frances Giunta share: “The Giunta family, its cousins and nieces (about 2 dozen) received their elementary education from the DHS, and we are forever grateful.”

From Westbrook, CT Dr. Laura Woodford adds: “I welcome the opportunity to support the good work of all the DHS especially my aunt, Sr. Norma Bourdon.” From Pittsfield, MA Richard Belair offers: “I thank God that in my 80th year I am still in a position to send you my annual contributionit is the first check I write every year, and I hope to be able to continue doing so for years to come.” From Webster, MA Jean Mantolesky pens these words: “Dear Sisters, I never realized how much so many of you Daughters did for me almost 50 years ago. You gave me an education that has helped me through tons of rough spots. I am ever so grateful, thank you.” From Murrieta, CA Shirley LaMothe states: “…Thank you for the gift of prayers and masses…they are the perfect gift….May Our Lord continue to bless you all in His perfect plan. I look forward to seeing you all again sometime when I return to Connecticut.”

Daughters Meet the Candidates

2013 was a mayoral election year for the City/Town of Putnam. In an effort to know the candidates and their platforms for both parties, an invitation was sent to their respective headquarters requesting an informative visit to meet with the Sisters and explain their plans for the advancement of Putnam should their political team be elected. About 25 Sisters in residence, administrators and workers attended the presentation by the democrats, the first party to respond, and asked a multitude of questions that would enlighten the direction in which the eager audience would cast their ballots. The session was part of an ongoing program among the DHS to become informed and stay abreast of local, national and worldwide political structures and movements in an attempt to assure that justice be served equitably to and for all. 7

Showing Appreciation and Paying It Forward For several years now midJanuary finds the Sisters in residence at the Provincial House invited to participate in a luncheon that becomes the setting for saying a special ‘thank you’ to the many Sisters who volunteer their time, effort, energy and love on a regular basis to renderi service to the Provincial House Community. These acts of selflessness include but are not limited to: transportation of community members to appointments and running sundried errands, prepping napkins, etc. for the dining room, making beds and assuring the readiness of guest rooms, reading to Sisters with impaired vision, helping Sisters with limited movement put their bureau drawers and closets in order, writing letters and sending e-mails for those who can no longer accomplish this task alone, lending a helping hand at the reception desk, setting Sisters’ hair, wheeling non-ambulatory companions to the dining room, to chapel and even to the gymnatorium or outdoors for sunshine and fresh air. This year instead of accepting the usual small tokens of appreciation, the Sisters agreed to take the monies that would normally be spent on these and pay that amount forward to Heifer International who, in turn, could purchase animals or similar life sustaining goods for the less fortunate. A spirit of joy resonated in the room as the Sisters understood how the fruit of their daily acts of sharing their abilities with others at home was being multiplied and transformed into loving service for many others at a distance.

About Our Dhs Associates Our Associates are women and men, lay and clergy, married and single, who desire to share and to live the spirituality, charism and The first 2 Associates of the mission of the Daughters of the US Province making initial Holy Spirit wherever they are. covenants in 1988 Mary MacDonald and Dr. Diane They commit themselves through a simple covenant that expresses Summa their hopes and aspirations in bringing the gospel message to life around them. They form a part of the extended family of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit whose essential mission is to reach out in service and love to those who are most in need. There are presently 111 DHS Associates in the U.S. Province and hundreds more throughout the international scope of the Congregation in Europe, Africa, South America and Australia. While the Associates meet regularly in their regions to plan and affirm the activities that bind them in the Spirit of Pentecost to the Sisters, they also receive the support and commitment of the Sisters who walk with them to carry out their mutual mission of creating a more just and equitable world and of celebrating the action of the Spirit in each other’s daily lives. More detailed information about our Associate program is readily available by contacting Dr. Diane Summa at [email protected] or visiting the Associate link on our US Province Web Site daughtersoftheholyspirit.org.

From our Director’s Desk Dear Friends of the US Province of the Daughters of the Holy Spirit, Indeed, YOUR generous and supportive fidelity to us is outstanding once again! For YOU and YOUR positive response to our request for assistance in meeting the needs of our aged and/ or retired Sisters and in assuring the continuation of our mission of outreach to the ‘least favored’, we offer THANKS to our Triune God and present YOU and YOUR intentions before Him on a daily basis. YOUR contributions, ranging from $1.00 to $10,000, helped us reach our goal for the year and surpass it by $12,672.56 for a bottom line total of $87,672.56. WOW!!! Your caring and sharing are truly notable and have touched the hearts of all our Sisters. YOU are visibly an essential part of us and of our mission of loving and selfless service. We are deeply moved, humbled, proud and exceedingly grateful. As we look ahead to 2014 and beyond, we soon become aware that the needs of our Province are not diminishing, that our Sisters are not getting younger, that our resources are not spontaneously regenerating and that, if we want to continue to effectively “meet the needs of the underserved “ (Call for the USA Province), we need the ongoing moral, spiritual and financial assistance of our tried and proven Partners in Mission: YOU. Consequently, we simply and trustingly ask you once again to do whatever you can to help us reach or surpass our 2014 goal of $75,000 to help meet the needs of our retired Sisters, provide them with a suitable and safe environment and to assure our ongoing outreach to the less fortunate. On behalf of the Sisters, I thank you once again for being there for us yesterday, today and tomorrow. May the Spirit of kindness, compassion, joy and sincere love bless you for who you have been, are and will be to and for the Daughters of the Holy Spirit of the USA. You•D •S p

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Françoise G. Gauthier, PhD Director Development/Advancement, DHS USA

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In that same Spirit who transforms vision into reality through our mutual effort,

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REALITY

~ Together in the Spirit we transform today’s vision into tomorrow’s reality ~

Vision • You • DHS • Spirit