Fifty-two weeks a year women religious stand with the poor and immigrants, teach children, fight injustice, heal the sick, share spirituality, empower women, defend the planet, promote peace, create community and offer hope … But for one week, the spotlight will shine on women religious. Catholic Sisters Week (CSW) is an annual celebration that takes place from March 8–14. It was created to honor women religious and bring greater focus to the lives of these incredible women.
For this year’s celebration, we highlight how IHM Sisters connect in today’s world and share initiatives that make a difference. We invite you to engage with them in your own way #CatholicSistersWeek #CelebratingTraditions #ChangingtheWorld
Lynne Moldenhauer, Director of Maxis Spirituality Center
IHMs are committed to spirituality in their own lives and offer opportunities for others to engage in spiritual practices, webinars, retreats and programs. Sister Lynne Moldenhauer is the director of our Maxis Spirituality Center in Riverview, MI, which is open to all religions. This contemplative center seeks to provide a place where people may pray and retreat in God’s presence. With tranquil, scenic grounds, which include a symbolic labyrinth and a mile-long nature trail, Maxis Center can accommodate day use for individuals or groups with overnight accommodations. Sister Lynne is finishing a master’s degree in Christian Spirituality and Spiritual Direction. For more information about the Maxis Center, contact maxiscenter@ihmsisters.org.
We want to welcome people of goodwill who want to deepen their spirituality. That to me is important, that we are not exclusive in any way, and that we promote this beautiful life that God has called us to.
Lynne Moldenhauer, IHM
Sister Marie Cyril Delisi, Detroit Epiphany Education Center Volunteer
IHMs have been educators in many fields over the years. Even in retirement years, they continue to educate others. Sister Marie Cyril Delisi is just one example. She is dedicated to raising childhood literacy in Detroit at Epiphany Education Center. As a volunteer, she helps provide academic intervention strategies to elementary and middle school students who are at risk, have disabilities and I.E.P.s, are victims of trauma, are below grade level readers, and/or have been retained or in jeopardy of being retained. She participates in one-to-one tutoring, book clubs, summer camp and group tutoring.
IHM Peacemakers
IHMs recognize global concerns in our world today. Partnering with others, the IHM Peacemakers have spent 45 years growing peace and ending war through a spirituality of nonviolence. Every day, the IHM Peacemakers pray, study, and work for an end to the Ukraine War and the Israeli-Hamas War and peace with justice in the Holy Land and around the planet. They work in solidarity with other groups on critical issues needing prayer, nonviolence, justice, and solidarity.
Join them for their next meeting on March 13. Val Knoche, IHM, and some of the migrants she works with are coming to share the meaning and importance of Our Lady of Guadalupe with the impoverished people of Mexico.
Sister Loretta Schroeder, St. Mary Organic Farm
For decades, the IHM community was largely self-sufficient. St. Mary Farms supplied food, not just to the Motherhouse sisters, but to the convents of the sisters ministering in and around Monroe and Detroit — “going local” long before it was commonplace.
Sister Loretta Schroeder delights in caring for our IHM gardens and the grounds at River House. St. Mary Organic Farm (SMOF) is a two-acre community organic garden that began in 1998. It is dedicated to the renewal of local, sustainable food. Traditional plots, as well as raised beds, are available for lease. New and seasoned gardeners grow food, flowers—and community. Some of the organic produce grown supports the local food pantry.
Gardeners are a diverse group of IHM Sisters, Associates, staff and local families. They grow organic food and flowers to inspire, enjoy and educate on environmental responsibility and healthy living. SMOF offers educational programs, meditations and a seasonal newsletter.
Sister Rebecca Vonderhaar, Strangers No Longer
In an interdependent world, IHMs know the value of connecting with others. IHM Sisters understand that they cannot do this alone. Over the years, they have embraced relationships with Associates and the expertise of staff. Partnering with others, they address the issues of global concern, justice, peace, and sustainability.
Sister Rebecca Vonderhaar, or Sister Becky, is just one example of IHM’s association with nonprofits. She is actively involved with Strangers No Longer (SNL), a network of Circles of Support formed in Catholic parishes, congregations and immigrant communities to support our immigrant neighbors. SNL advocates for a comprehensive and humane immigration policy.
Let the God of ALL continue to be our guide as we attempt to reclaim God’s dream that we all may be ONE.
Becky Vonderhaar, IHM
Sister Kate O’Brien invites you to visit!
The IHM doors are open to you in a variety of ways. Come on in! Join us for Sunday liturgies in the Chapel. Visit the newest exhibit in the Art Gallery and the archives displays in the Heritage Room. The public is always welcome to listen to our speakers and presentations- check our website or social media for a listing of events. Volunteer opportunities are available, too. We look forward to seeing you.
Pictured with her artwork is Kate O’Brien, IHM. Sister Kate is a talented artist involved in many nonprofits and committees. One is the Art Gallery Committee, where she helps to identify and contract artists for the exhibits.
Sister Julie Vieira, Margaret Brennan Institute
By embracing technology, IHMs have connected to the global community through live-streaming liturgies and online spiritual webinars. Sister Julie Vieira, director of the Margaret Brennan Institute (MBI), shares, “Our heritage is that we are rooted in faith, courage, justice for the people, and we are really committed to supporting people in their spiritual journeys.”
Margaret Brennan Institute’s mission is to nurture the spiritual seeker in all of us through webinars and other online resources. If you want conversation and community around spirituality, MBI is an opportunity to explore the various dimensions of spirituality, church, and culture through blogs and webinars. Learn more about the Margaret Brennan Institute here or join Sister Julie on Wednesdays at noon EST for an online prayer for peace in Ukraine.
IHM Sisters and Associates focus on ecological integrity, social and economic justice, peacemaking, and global solidarity wherever they are. While Catholic Sisters Week is officially over, we urge you to take to heart the themes presented here, which are manifestations of our core beliefs, and incorporate them into your life. Get involved in your community and share your talents with others.
We encourage you to connect with us. Check our social media and website. Contact Barbara Bacci-Yugovich, IHM Associate, at byugovich@ihmsisters.org or Sister Candyce Rekart at crekart@ihmsisters.org.
If you would like to join the celebration, please send a card or video to ihmcommunications@ihmsisters.org or 610 West Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162.