February 19 - News

Directed Retreat
May 18-May 26, 2008
At Sacred Heart Villa
Saco, Maine

Facilitator: S. Kathleen Smith, RSM

Come away to a quiet space and pray. This directed retreat offers an opportunity for solitude along God’s beautiful Atlantic shore. A six or eight day retreat, private room and board provided. Local liturgy is available in the area each day.

Registration date: May 1, 2008
Limited spaces register early.

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Name_________________________

Address_________________________________

Telephone________________ email___________

Retreat Sliding scale: $350-$400 --6 day
$400-$600 -- 8 day
Enclose Registration Fee $50.00 to reserve space
Questions and information S. Kathleen Smith 1137 Washington Ave. Portland, Me 04013
207-878-1216 skmsmith@hotmail.com

News

The Institute Justice Team (IJT) and the Institute Leadership Team (ILT) will once again participate in the Christian Peace Witness in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2008 to protest the war in Iraq. Last year at this event, Sister Mary Waskowiak (ILT) was arrested for civil disobedience.

The event will include a Eucharistic Celebration (Catholic) at the Church of St. Aloysius in Washington, D.C. During the Mass, Sister Anne Curtis (ILT) will share her experiences witnessing the effects of war during her recent tour of Lebanon and Syria with Catholic Relief Services Sister Delegation to Iraqi Refugees. An interfaith gathering on the National Mall, a vigil and march will follow. All sisters, associates and companions who are able are encouraged to attend. Those who cannot attend are invited to join the group in prayer during the Mass to be held at noon on March 7.

For the latest information, contact Kate Braggs at kbraggs@sistersofmercy.org

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Nursing Home Administrator
Mount St Rita Health Centre in Cumberland, Rhode Island, is seeking an experienced leader to administer this 98-bed skilled care nursing home. Candidate must have excellent leadership skills and promote quality care that continues and improves on current high standards and reflects the mission of the Sisters of Mercy. The candidate should posses a strong and ethical management background, positive survey history, good knowledge of clinically complex skilled nursing care, working knowledge of government regulations, and stable work history. The administrator is responsible for ensuring the facility’s financial performance within budget, while leading, developing and implementing quality programs.

Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience. Minimum of 3 to 5 years experience as Nursing Home Administrator in comparable position. Rhode Island Nursing Home Administrator license or eligible for reciprocity required.

Send resume and cover letter to Sister Jane McGarrahan, RSM, Administrator Search Committee, Sisters of Mercy, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915 by March 15, 2008, call for further information at 401 434 0486 x101 or email jmcgarrahan@mercynortheast.org

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At the recent ILC meeting, the Institute's Chief Investment Officer, Brian Pine, presented his plan for a single investment program for the Institute in order to maximize returns for our life and ministry.

One member from each Community or Emerging Community is asked to be a "Member" Representative. The qualifications are listed below. If you are interested, please contact one of the members of the Northeast Community leadership team by February 23 for further details.

Request For "Member" Representatives
Preferred Qualifications:
-- RSM from the represented Community or Emerging Community (is not required to be on
Community Leadership Team);
-- Significant experience in governance positions with non-profit organizations;
-- Familiarity with finance, investments and/or social responsibility is not required but would be
advantageous;
-- Commitment to implement 1999 and 2005 Chapter Acts, 2004 leadership agreement (Guyana)
and financial norm;
-- Comfort discussing the types of topics and issues noted in Appendices A, B and C; and
-- Individual with the ability for significant involvement in Calendar 2008, declining time
requirements thereafter.
Empowerment of "Member Representatives"
"Member" Representatives initial responsibilities are to form the organization and its governance structure and make the initial appointments to the structures designed and implemented:
-- Determine the philosophy and mission of the investment program;
-- Create the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws;
-- Create legal, governance and operating structures;
-- Appoint the Board of Directors, the Board of Director and Committee Chairpersons,
and the Committee participants;
-- Recommend potential timeline for implementation; and
-- Communicate activities with and seek counsel of Community Leadership Teams, as necessary.

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Lumen Christi
Benson, Vermont

February 22-24 "Forgiveness:Movement toward A Peaceful Heart'
February 29-March 2 "Art As A Spiritual Practice'
March 7-9 "Solitude Weekend"
March14-16 "Soul Collage"
March 17-19 "Lenten Retreat Days

For further information, call the Institute for Spiritual Development at 802-846-7074 in Burlington, Vermont.
Also, visit the web site at http://www.spiritvt.org/.

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March Programs
New Dawn Earth Center
75 Wrentham Rd, Cumberland RI 02864
Contact: Denise Turcotte
1-401-333-1341
Visit www.newdawnearthcenter.org for more information.

A FOREST'S INVITATION TO WOMEN
Saturday, March 8, 1  2:30 pm
Cumberland  The New Dawn Earth Center. Treat yourself to an afternoon of meditative walking in the forest. Reflect upon who lives in this forest and their gifts to us. Donation: $8. Call to register.

THE WONDERS OF THE NIGHT SKY
Saturday, March 8 7:30 8:30 pm
(raindate March 9)
Cumberland  The New Dawn Earth Center. Join Arthur Sgalia to view Mars, Saturn, the Andromeda galaxy. Bring binoculars to help you see Pleiades, the Orion nebula, Polaris and Sirius. Dress warmly. Donation: $5 / person or $18 / family. Call to register. We still have a few places in the programs.

DRUM BUILDING WORKSHOP
Saturday, Mar. 15, 10 am  5 pm
Cumberland  New Dawn Earth Center. Tap into your creativity and build your own 16 shaman's frame drum with a beater under the direction of Jane King from Bradford, NH. All materials (the frame, hide, and sinew) are provided. Bring an item for a potluck lunch. Drinks will be provided. Cost: $240 Call to register. Advance registration and a $75 deposit are required by March 3. Limit: 10

RATTLE DRUM WORKSHOP
Saturday, Mar. 15, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Cumberland  New Dawn Earth Center. Make a 4 drum rattle under the direction of Richard King. After your drums are completed, celebrate with music. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: $20 (Includes all materials) Limit: 12 Call to register. Advance registration and a $10 deposit are required by March 3.

SOUNDS OF SPRING HIKE
Saturday, March 22, 6-7:30 pm
Cumberland  The New Dawn Earth Center. Celebrate the VERNAL EQUINOX by listening for frogs and other spring sounds. Donation: $5 / person or $18 / family. Call to register.

BIRDS OF PREY: Featuring A LIVE BALD EAGLE
Saturday, March 29, Noon  1:15 pm & 2:00  3:15 pm
Cumberland  The New Dawn Earth Center is hosting Tom Ricardi of the Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility who provides a close-up look at a live Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, Turkey Vulture. and Red-tailed Hawk. Learn about the care of injured birds and the successful captive-breeding program. Program will be held at Mercymount Country Day School. Please call ahead to register. Donation: $8 / person or $30 / family (children 3 & under free)

News

Mount St Rita Health Centre in Cumberland, Rhode Island, is seeking an experienced leader to administer this 98-bed skilled care nursing home. Candidate must have excellent leadership skills and promote quality care that continues and improves on current high standards and reflects the mission of the Sisters of Mercy. The candidate should posses a strong and ethical management background, positive survey history, good knowledge of clinically complex skilled nursing care, working knowledge of government regulations, and stable work history. The administrator is responsible for ensuring the facility’s financial performance within budget, while leading, developing and implementing quality programs.

Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience. Minimum of 3 to 5 years experience as Nursing Home Administrator in comparable position. Rhode Island Nursing Home Administrator license or eligible for reciprocity required.

Send resume and cover letter to Sister Jane McGarrahan, RSM, Administrator Search Committee, Sisters of Mercy, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, RI 02915 by March 15, 2008, call for further information at 401 434 0486 x101 or email jmcgarrahan@mercynortheast.org.

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At the recent ILC meeting, the Institute's Chief Investment Officer, Brian Pine, presented his plan for a single investment program for the Institute in order to maximize returns for our life and ministry.

One member from each Community or Emerging Community is asked to be a "Member" Representative. The qualifications are listed below. If you are interested, please contact one of the members of the Northeast Community leadership team by February 23 for further details.

Preferred Qualifications:
-- RSM from the represented Community or Emerging Community (is not required to be on
Community Leadership Team);
-- Significant experience in governance positions with non-profit organizations;
-- Familiarity with finance, investments and/or social responsibility is not required but would be
advantageous;
-- Commitment to implement 1999 and 2005 Chapter Acts, 2004 leadership agreement (Guyana)
and financial norm;
-- Comfort discussing the types of topics and issues noted in Appendices A, B and C; and
-- Individual with the ability for significant involvement in Calendar 2008, declining time
requirements thereafter.
Empowerment of "Member Representatives"
"Member" Representatives initial responsibilities are to form the organization and its governance structure and make the initial appointments to the structures designed and implemented:
-- Determine the philosophy and mission of the investment program;
-- Create the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws;
-- Create legal, governance and operating structures;
-- Appoint the Board of Directors, the Board of Director and Committee Chairpersons,
and the Committee participants;
-- Recommend potential timeline for implementation; and
-- Communicate activities with and seek counsel of Community Leadership Teams, as necessary.

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The Northeast Community is providing our sisters, associates and colleagues in ministry the opportunity to learn beginning Spanish. The level 1 course is being offered June 8-14 at St. Joseph's College, Maine. The class runs from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.daily. We will start with dinner on Sunday evening, June 8 and end with breakfast on Saturday, June 14.

Level 1 is a 35-hour course for those with little or no background or those who have traveled, studied, have some vocabulary, but struggle to form sentences. The course will cover introductions, numbers, colors, foods, parts of the body, small talk, simple conversation, and ways to express past, present and future tense -- approximately 1,000 vocabulary words.
The Community will cover the cost for sisters. The cost for associates and colleagues in ministry is $350 for the course and $25 a day for room a board.

If you have some knowledge of Spanish and are unsure that level 1 is right for you, contact me and I will send you a self-evaluation form to determine if this is an appropriate placement.
You will find a registration form attached. Please fill it out and return it to me by March 3.
Kathleen Pritty, RSM

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PRESIDENT
Saint Joseph's College of Maine invites applicants and nominations for the position of President.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine is proud of its values-centered educational mission. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Saint Joseph's College has been faithful to The pursuit of truth and lifelong learning for 96 years. Saint Joseph's is a residential Catholic college serving 1,000 men and women of all faiths in undergraduate liberal arts and professional studies. A 33-year successful distance education division offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to 2000 adult learners. The College, with its 350-acre campus, is located on Sebago Lake just 18 miles from Portland, Maine's largest city, and two hours north of Boston. It is the only Roman Catholic College in Maine.
The College has enjoyed tremendous growth. Over the past ten years campus enrollment has progressively increased by 37% and we have almost doubled our physical plant adding a spectacular new academic building, an athletic and recreation center, new residence halls and two new athletic fields. The College is in a dynamic time and has an aggressive strategic plan to continue its growth.
Saint Joseph's College now seeks a new President who can work closely and collaboratively with the sponsoring Sisters of Mercy, the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and students to address the challenges that have been created with the College's success and growth.
The ideal candidate will possess the following personal and professional qualifications:
* Practicing Catholic who demonstrates values consistent with the mission of the sponsoring Sisters of Mercy and the College and who would assist in strengthening a strong Catholic Mercy identity;
* Demonstrated record of successful, academic, administrative leadership in a private college or university;
* Demonstrated academic leadership in traditional and distance education models;
* Demonstrated record of success in building a successful development program and a personal capacity to raise money;
* Strong financial management skills with the ability to create and oversee the institutional budget;
* Demonstrated competency in relationship building with internal and external constituencies;
* Exceptional communication skills. The President must be able to communicate effectively as a writer and speaker to many different constituencies in a variety of settings.
* An earned doctorate.
All inquiries, nominations or resumes should be submitted by February 22 to:
Presidential Search Committee
do Janet LaFlamme, Chief Administration Officer
Saint Joseph's College 278 Whites Bridge Road Standish, Maine 04084
Electronic submissions may be directed to presidentialsearch@sjcme.edu

Saint Joseph's College is an affirmative action employer; women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Visit the College's website at http://www.sjcme.edu

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Lent fast to cut carbon emissions

Two senior bishops are urging people to cut back on carbon for Lent instead of the conventional chocolate or alcohol.

The Bishops of London and Liverpool, Dr Richard Chartres and James Jones, are launching the Carbon Fast at Trafalgar Square with aid agency Tearfund.

They hope to encourage people to reduce their carbon footprint for 40 days.

The scheme aims to raise awareness of global warming to help protect poor communities around the world who are already affected by climate change.

Stark reality
The "fast" involves a simple energy saving action each day, including avoiding plastic bags, insulating the hot water tank and checking the house for draughts.
Bishop Jones, who is vice president of Tearfund, said: "It is the poor who are already suffering the effects of climate change.

"To carry on regardless of their plight is to fly in the face of Christian teaching."
One Tearfund employee will camp outside the charity's offices in Teddington for a week in an attempt to reduce his emissions to that of an average Malawian farmer.
Dr Chartres called for "individual and collective action".

The moral imperative for us to act is unquestionable and inescapable Sir John Houghton, former Met Office chief executive.

He said: "A whole host of scientific studies have made clear that it is no longer possible to find excuses for doing nothing.

"Nor is it enough to point the finger of blame at others and to demand that somebody should act for us."

The campaign is also being backed by scientists and church leaders including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

Sir John Houghton, former Met Office chief executive and first chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's scientific assessment said: "Climate change shows us that our energy-hungry lifestyles are harming our poorer neighbours across the world now.

"The moral imperative for us to act is unquestionable and inescapable."
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/england/7226488.stm

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You are invited to the ...

University of Rhode Island's~Irish Exhibit
When: Sat., March 1, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM
Where: URI Providence Feinstein Campus (Down Town Providence)
80 Washington Street, Providence, RI~ 02903
(Open to the Public)

February 1, 2008
Dear Sisters, Associates and Companions,

Earlier today, Sister Norma Giannini, a member of the Chicago Regional Community, was sentenced to one year in a Milwaukee correctional facility and ten years probation for two counts of indecent behavior with a child in Milwaukee during the 1960s. Sister Norma will report to the correctional facility in sixty days. The judge expressed his hope that reconciliation takes place and outlined a process which the plaintiffs may initiate within the next year.

We have issued a public statement, available at www.sistersofmercy.org.

We are deeply saddened by this case and the harm done to those involved. We pray for all of those affected, especially the two men who filed the complaints, Sr. Norma and the sisters of the Chicago Regional Community.

Abuse of any kind goes against the very core of who we are as women of the Gospel committed to nurturing and developing the best in children and young people. Allegations of abuse testify to the deep suffering present among God's people today. We are all affected as members of the Body of Christ. We are all part of a broken world. We all need healing.
While we cannot undo the past, we can change the future. We know you join us in the Mercy commitment to protect children and young people.

Please continue to pray for all those affected by this situation.
In Mercy,
The Institute Leadership Team

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SAVE THE DATE
Northeast Mercy Associate Conference
August 8 - 10, 2008
Stonehill College
Easton, MA

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Things You Should Know Regarding Electronic Communications

Expectation of Privacy
E-mail systems by their design are not a secure way to transmit confidential information. Users should not expect privacy when sending or receiving electronic communications. Others inside or outside the Community could also view e-mail. Other viewers could include employees of network service providers, phone, cable or other communications networks, computer service technicians, other authorized individuals as well as unauthorized individuals.
The Community makes every effort to limit access to information within e-mail to employees or contractors who we believe reasonably need to come into contact with that information to provide services to you and the Community or in order to do their jobs.
Users should be aware that even when a message is erased or a visit to a web site is closed, it is still possible to recreate the message or locate the web site. Accordingly, all communications, including text and images, may be disclosed to others without prior consent of the sender or the receiver.

Users should not have any expectation of privacy with their e-mail correspondence or other electronic data transactions, including e-mail sent to recipients inside or outside of the Community network. Users should expect that information posted on any web site could be seen by the general public. Deleted items on any electronic media can be retrieved and reviewed by those with appropriate training and knowledge.


Responsibilities and License Requirements
Computing and networking resources within the Community are provided in support of the Community’s mission. The Community network, including systems installed at residences and other Community facilities and the Internet can provide access to resources inside and outside the Community, along with the ability to communicate with other users worldwide. Such open access is a privilege and requires that individual users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations. Since electronic information is easily copied and reproduced, users must exercise care in acknowledging and respecting the work of others through strict adherence to software licensing agreements and copyright laws.
Misuse of computing, networking or information resources may result in legal action against the Community and or the user under applicable statutes. Unauthorized reproduction of software and other intellectual property protected by U.S. copyright law may be liable for legal action.

January 2008

A New Resource for Our "Connected" Associates

Greetings to all who visit our blog. We hope you find this resource helpful and that you check it out on a regular basis and add comments as you wish.


To add your personal comments, you can click on "comments" at the bottom of each post and leave any notes, upcoming events, request for prayers, etc. This is OUR blog and it is our hope that we all participate.


To add links, photos, videos, other media clips, or comments, e-mail these items to mehartle@hotmail.com and I will upload your items to our blog. Of course you can include links within comments, as well.


Try comments and let me know your thoughts on our new blog. I'm waiting to hear from you.

Peace and blessings to you, our Connecticut Associates in Mercy.

--Martha Hartle