Endless Gratitude 
By S. Romina Sapinoso
S. Janet Gildea was one of the cornerstones of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati’s vocation and formation program through at least the last 15 years. She and Sisters Peggy Deneweth and Carol Wirtz have been inviting and welcoming young women into their home since the beginning of their time in the desert southwest of El Paso, Texas. Of the countless women who have lived in the local community of Casa de Caridad, five of us entered the Community and are now almost all professed as SCs. I remember Janet’s enthusiasm about the movie, “Field of Dreams,” and how she often used the quote, “If you build it, they will come,” to describe her vision of vocations and religious life. After a long period of few new members, come we did because of her persistent hope, firm belief, and the Community’s openness and trust.

During Janet’s last weeks, I sat with her one morning on one of her good days and I asked her what advice she would give to all of us who are going through big periods of transition and discernment. She mentioned three things quite readily. First, she said you can’t move forward looking in the rearview mirror and with a chuckle added, “I’m pretty sure I stole that from somebody.” Second, she emphasized the importance of thinking about what’s possible. She was always big on possibilities. Third, she emphatically declared, “I believe in our future. I know we have a future. Just look in our refrigerator!”

There are so many things to say about our beloved S. Janet Gildea and not enough words and opportunities to do so. But for those of us whom she walked with, we know exactly the kind of love, care, accompaniment, nurture and even sacrifices she made for us and for vocations. She was a true gift to so many young people, not just to those of us who did enter the Congregation. She provided mentorship and guidance without expecting anything in return. She found deep joy in helping anyone who was searching for his or her path in life, wherever it led. As we celebrate her life with Masses in El Paso, Cincinnati and Fort Wayne, my own heart is filled with endless gratitude for the life of this beautiful human being who was not just a mentor and a friend, but a true sister to me. Her huge impact and influence in my life gave me the courage to explore my true self and vocation. Thank you, Janet, for living out your vocation so faithfully and freely which, in turn, allowed us to find and live ours.
Future of Charity Blog: Growing in Patience
S. Whitney Schieltz shares her thoughts as a second-year Novice in her latest entry to the Sisters of Charity Federation’s Future of Charity Blog. Read it here: http://futureofcharity.blogspot.com/2019/04/growing-in-trust.html
Community Honors Elizabeth Ann Seton Award Recipients
SC President Joan Elizabeth Cook (second from left) congratulates EAS Award recipients during a prayer service on April 27 in the Motherhouse chapel. Also pictured (from left) Jacky Kalubi (on behalf of Dr. Marie Pashi and Dr. Claver Pashi), Rick Theders and Colleen McSwiggin.
The Sisters of Charity Community came together on April 27 to honor the recipients of this year’s Elizabeth Ann Seton Awards. Congratulations to Colleen McSwiggin, Dr. Marie Pashi and Dr. Claver Pashi and Rick Theders for the ways in which they further the SC mission to act justly, build loving relationships, share resources, and care for creation! Read more at http://www.srcharitycinti.org/2019/
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Connecting at the UN
S. Romina Sapinoso recently spent two months as an intern with the SC Federation United Nations NGO S. Teresa Kotturan, SCN. Read more about Romina’s experience at http://www.srcharitycinti.org/2019/05/01/connecting-to-the-un/
Building Loving Relationships
Where are the Sisters of Charity today? S. Sandy Howe begins a new ministry of welcome through the Newcomers Transitions Program at Mount St. Joseph. Read more at http://www.srcharitycinti.org/2019/05/01/building-loving-relationships/
There's an App for That!
Contemplative Outreach, a network of individuals and small faith communities, offers this Centering Prayer mobile app to support your daily prayer practice. Beautiful, elegant and peaceful, the app has an adjustable timer, as well as opening and closing prayer options that may be read before and after Centering Prayer. An assortment of sounds and backgrounds help you choose the type of environment you want for prayer time. You can find the app in the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store if you have an Android.
Calendar
May 9, 2019
Feast of St. Louise de Marillac

May 12, 2019
World Day of Prayer for Vocations

July 23-27, 2019
Catholics on Call Young Adult Conference, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, Illinois http://www.catholicsoncall.org/apply
The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati elected a new Leadership Team on April 4, 2019, during the Congregation’s 2019 Chapter. S. Patricia Hayden was elected to a four-year term as president of the Congregation. Four councilors were also elected: Sisters Monica Gundler, Marge Kloos, Joanne Burrows and Teresa Dutcher. The newly elected Leadership Team will begin their term on July 1, 2019. (Pictured from left: Sisters Patricia Hayden, Marge Kloos, Joanne Burrows, Teresa Dutcher and Monica Gundler.)
E-Vōc   is the electronic newsletter from the Vocations Team of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for single women wondering what new thing God is calling forth in their lives. 
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If you are interested in learning more about life as a Sister of Charity, visit our website at
www.srcharitycinti.org  or contact S. Monica Gundler at 513-504-5592.