Jim Merriman, a retired detective/police officer who resides in Michigan, spent many years as a young boy at Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago. He sat down one day to write a letter to his children about his unusual childhood. This is Part Two of Jim’s detailed account of his struggles and triumphs, acknowledging Sister Lucy Megaro, PHJC, and others who have played key roles in his life. Part One was published in the winter edition of Word Gathering and is also available online at www.poorhandmaids.org.

Summary of Part One

_A s the little boy of an alcoholic father and a mother who died young, Jim Merriman was shuffled among relatives and orphanages until, at age 10, he was taken to Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago where he spent his most formative years. With gratitude to Sister Lucy Megaro, PHJC, other role models, and the companionship of Angel Guardian peers, Jim made his way in the world, all the while saying, “Life is good.” The story continues with Jim’s first night at Angel Guardian, after Sister Lucy, moved quietly with Jim to his bed among the rows of dormitory beds where other boys already slept. Watching as Sister Lucy turned off the light in her room, and alone with his thoughts, he wondered what the next day would bring.

The City Within a City

“Get up! Get up! Get up!” Sister Lucy said, as she walked the perimeter of the dormitory raising the shades as she passed. Boys were jumping out of bed, putting on their slippers, and I followed as they raced toward the lavatory. Soon they were dressing, going to the bathroom, washing, brushing their teeth and combing their hair. The last task was finished with a flourish of Brill Cream (“a little dab will do ya.”) to create that front wave in the hair. Even inside the orphanage, we were cool dudes of the ‘60s.

Organization ruled at Angel Guardian. Each cottage consisted of kids from first through eighth grades. Each older kid was assigned a younger kid so they would help with the daily routine starting with bed-making and continuing throughout the day’s activities. These pairs were known as My Little Guy or My Big Guy. Angel Guardian also included its own school, church, gymnasium, pool, large playground and auditorium. In nice weather, we walked outside to church, the dining hall, and the school. At any given time, Angel Guardian housed 500 children.

After daily Mass, we headed to the mess hall. Each cottage ate in its own dining room, and the meals arrived in a large heated stainless container on wheels. After we ate, we would do the dishes and reset the tables for the next meal, then head down more hallways to the school that was taught mostly by nuns and a few secular teachers.

Once I came down with a bad case of the chills. Sister Lucy made me go to bed early that night. I was absolutely freezing and shaking uncontrollably. She kept piling the blankets on me. The chills stopped and fever replaced it. Never, before or since, have I suffered so. I was literally on fire; the sheets were soaked. Moaning, I fell asleep and when I woke several hours later, Sister Lucy was sitting in a chair next to my bed. She was dipping a washcloth into cool water and dabbing my forehead. Since all the other kids were sleeping in their beds, I knew it was early morning. I drifted back to sleep. When I woke the next morning, Sister Lucy was gone. The fever was gone. From that moment, I knew things would be different between me and Sister Lucy. I knew in the past I was a “handful” for her, but that would happen no more. That night changed my attitude on life. From that day forth, I became her best helper. It didn’t matter to me anymore what the other kids might think. I was older now and a leader for the rest of the cottage. Sister Lucy changed my life. And life was good.

Summertime in Chicago was my favorite. The huge boys’ play area included a gravel yard the size of a football field with four baseball diamonds. We played baseball at every chance, including yearly tournaments between the cottages. Spending over eight hours a day in that yard, by summer’s end we were tanned and excellent baseball players! Autumn brought football and basketball. Playing other schools throughout the area, we were the school to beat.

A Life Coach

The weeks turned into months, and the months turned into years. In 1967 Father McCarthy introduced us to a coach, Strat Barrettsmith, who volunteered his time to help us grade school kids. Strat was in his mid-twenties and built like an athlete. It turns out that Strat was a very influential person in my life. He coached us in all sports. He taught us how to wrestle, play football, swim and do gymnastics. Most of all he taught us how to give 100% when doing anything, and according to Strat, anything was possible. Strat taught us by example. He was there for us, day in and day out. I remember that he injured his knee and required surgery. It was obvious to us he was hurting, but he continued to come to Angel Guardian to work with us. Even at our young ages, we knew Strat wasn’t doing this for the money. He was doing this for us. I wanted to be just like him, and I learned ethics from him that would carry me through my life. From time to time I have thought of Strat and wondered what had become of him. I miss him.

In 1968 I graduated from eighth grade. That was a big deal at Angel Guardian. The boys and girls were taken to Sears where each boy was able to buy a sport coat, shirt, pants, shoes, and a tie. We all felt a true sense of accomplishment. I was ready to move into the high school cottage, and I felt good about myself.

Leaving

Nothing prepared me for that summer day in 1968 when Sister Lucy came to me and said those five words: “You’re going home for good.” I just about dropped to the floor. I thought she was kidding until I looked her in the face and could see that her eyes were watery. Then I knew I was really going “home for good.”

During the next two days, I cleaned my locker. The younger kids were all hanging around me. I was giving them all my little plastic army men and all my models built over rainy nights and days in the playroom. I also possessed the most wanted large model of The Star Ship Enterprise. I made many little guys happy that day.

On my last night, I sat alone on that bench in front of Cottage 27, reliving my life at AGO. The years saw many brothers and sisters come and go. You left as fast as you came. One day you were gone. Rarely did kids say goodbye, but we all felt the common bonds. We came from broken families and many came from worse situations than mine. Some came as babies and didn’t leave until they graduated from high school. I knew I would miss the winter Saturdays that we spent building models, playing board games, and at night watching television programs like The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Dean Martin Show. Dean Martin was one of Sister Lucy’s favorite shows.

The big day arrived. I said my goodbyes to my cottage brothers, and I gave Sister Lucy a hug. No words were exchanged because I’m sure our voices would have cracked. Later I learned that Sister Lucy was also an AGO kid when she was young. No wonder she always knew just how to treat us, and no wonder we could never get anything over on her. She was one of us.

Unlike my arrival at AGO, this time I walked myself to the lobby. This time it was daytime. The hallways were still very long, but for some reason it didn’t take so much time. I left AGO the same way I came: I carried only the clothes on my back, but with one addition – a Stingray banana seat bike that was mine. I was happy. I was going home for good. As I walked that same corridor toward the lobby where five years earlier I first saw Sister Lucy, I now saw Dad and (my sister) Donna watching me come toward them. Life was good.

You Can't Go Home Again

We took a Yellow Checker cab to my dad’s and Donna’s new second-floor apartment, across the street from my new public high school, Amundsen High. I walked the neighborhood and returned home just before dark. Dad was sitting at the kitchen table with a pint of Jim Beam and a glass of water. I sat there for hours talking with him. He didn’t make much sense. Then he went to bed.

I quickly realized this was not at all what I dreamed “going home for good” was all about. I would sit across the street in the open field of the high school. My thoughts would take me back to AGO. I was accustomed to playing with a bunch of kids and there was always something to do. Strat would always be there pushing me to be better. Soon I wished I was back with my brothers and sisters at AGO.

One afternoon, I decided to ride my bicycle and find AGO. Once there, I leaned my bike up against the brick wall, climbed up and stood on the banana seat. I was just tall enough for my head to reach the iron bars. I stood there with my hands gripping the bars, my face wedged between them. I was about 25 yards from the yard and out of range for any kids to hear or see me. I stood there for hours, watching, until the dormitory lights began to go out one at a time. I felt a chill come over me. It was after 11 p.m. and very dark on this side street. It was a long ride home and shortly after midnight I arrived. The apartment was dark; Dad was already in bed. I noticed an empty bottle of Jim Bean on the kitchen table. I cleaned the kitchen and went to bed. I lay there going over in my head all I had seen at AGO that day. A smile came to my face as I faded away to sleep thinking of my AGO family. This would be the last time I would return to AGO as a child.

At the age of 18, Jim was inducted into the Marine Corps for three years where he served in Okinawa on board a submarine and in North Vietnam on P.O.W. rescue missions. He never returned to Amundsen High School but completed high school requirements in Michigan where he also landed a job with the Cassopolis Parks Department and met his future wife, Terri. The 1970s brought the birth of two daughters and his father’s death. He was also hired as a law enforcement trainee, beginning a longtime career that included the love and trust of his K-9 friend, Billy.

In 1995 computers invaded the detective bureau. Jim, with no training except a desire to explore the new equipment, clicked on a search for Angel Guardian Orphanage. There on the AGO website he learned of AGO friends who would be attending an upcoming reunion of St. Henry’s, the AGO church. He told no one of his drive to Chicago to join them that day, but arrived to see if anyone would recognize the older, gray-haired, mustached Jim Merriman. When an AGO group formed after Mass, Jim stood there, looking at those who were trying to identify him.

“Well?” Suzie Jacobs said.

“I thought you might want to guess.” I countered.

And then Betsy Waffel came forward, “I will never forget that voice. It’s Jim Merriman.”

I shook my head, yes, and we all yelled and the hugging commenced. Soon, as a few kids looked over my shoulder, I turned to see two nuns walking toward us. I immediately recognized one of them as Sister Lucy. My knees almost buckled. As our eyes met, she said, “Jim Merriman.” To be remembered first by my former classmates, and now by Sister Lucy! This was a moment. After the lunch-in, we sat and talked for hours. My drive back home to Michigan was full of memories of the old days. Life is so good.

And Now...

In my many investigations and detective encounters, I have learned that life is not always fair, but life is still good. Life is worth it. When it comes to that murderous guy who sat before me lamenting his “hard” life, I guess he was speaking his truth. But what he was missing were the people who intervened in my life – aunts and uncles, my sisters Donna and Fran, Strat Barrettsmith and Sister Lucy. He never met a girl like Terri. He never had daughters like Tammy and Jamie. He never got the chance to be part of a real family. Chances are he never felt the love and trust of pets like Pal or Billy.

So, when Terri and I attend Mass every Sunday, I make it part of my prayers to say: “Thank you God for my life, just the way it was.” Life is good.

SATURDAY JUNE 14, 2014

Sojourner Truth House 410 West 13th Avenue (13th & Madison Street) Gary, Indiana Check in begins at 8a.m. WALK for STH starts at 9a.m.!

It's not too late to register!

Register Today!

All hands on deck for Bethany Retreat House Garden Day 2014, Saturday, May 3, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT! (Rain date: May 10.) Plan to join this 16th annual volunteer effort to get the meditation gardens spruced up and growing for the summer guests.

No gardening experience is needed. Come join the fun digging in the earth, communing with nature, and meeting good people as we plant flowers, spread mulch, and do general cleanup. Please RSVP ahead of time through Bethany’s office (219-398-5047) to help us organize the work and have enough lunch for everyone.

Bethany Retreat House is a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ located in East Chicago, Indiana.

We welcome your presence and energy in this important annual venture!

Jim Merriman, a retired detective/police officer who resides in Michigan, spent many years as a young boy at Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago. He sat down one day to write a letter to his children about his unusual childhood. The end result became a detailed account of his struggles and triumphs, acknowledging Sister Lucy Megaro, PHJC, and others who have played key roles in his life. Printed here are edited excerpts of Jim’s story, called “Little Boy Blue.” 
PHJC Curator Jane Bomberger contributed to this story.

He sat before me, a man who could approach an elderly gentleman in his driveway, rob him, tie him up, put him in the trunk, and then drive around Niles, Michigan, stopping once to let the old man urinate, all the while listening to the man plead, “Don’t hurt me. I’m doing everything you ask.” Finally, he drove to an isolated area, doused the vehicle with gasoline, opened the trunk and doused the terrified man, tossed a match, and walked away with his girlfriend while the screams came from the trunk of the burning car.

“Why?” I asked him. He replied, “I had a tough bringing-up. My mother left; my father was a drunk.”

As my head spun, I pondered once again why I’m sitting on one side of the desk, a career police officer and detective, while he sits on the other side, soon to be convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.

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IN THIS ISSUE…

• A Letter from the Editor
• Bethany Retreat House – Drawing [on] Dreams
• Choosing Ancilla College
• This & That
• Associate Ripples: “I want some of that.”
• Poor Handmaids Coming Home to Southern Illinois
• “Coming Home” Schedule of Events
• “Coming Home” Registration Form
• Understanding Generational Differences / Preparing for Change
• “Little Boy Blue” – Part Two
• A Photo Update from Mexico
• Construction Progress in Mexico
• An Exciting Update from The Linden Houses
• An Update from Bethany Retreat House
• Back to Our Roots – A New Future
• Touching Lives Around the World
• Fiat Spiritus Community in Germany
• Partnering Creates Opportunities for Refugees
• In Memory of Our Sisters

Ancilla College has received a gift in the amount of $1,002,732 from emeritus trustee, Jim Hardesty. The gift came in response to a recently announced $875,000 matching gift opportunity from an anonymous donor.

“We are truly humbled, as well as very excited to be the beneficiary of Jim’s generosity,” said Ron May, President of Ancilla College. “Jim’s life has been about giving to help others and this gift is just another example of his investment in our community that will help to change the lives of students and their families.”

In making the gift to Ancilla, Hardesty stated, “I believe in the work of Ancilla College and the impact it is having on students from the area that attend there. It is my pleasure to help the College in this way. I encourage others to step up and take advantage of the matching gift opportunity.”

Ancilla College (www.ancilla.edu) is a Catholic, liberal arts, Associate’s Degree college in Donaldson, Indiana, sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

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In this issue:

• Thoughts on Association
• Meet the New Core Team Leaders for East One and West Regions
• Poor Handmaids Coming Home to Southern Illinois
• Companions on the Journey and Associate Anniversary Celebration
• Calling all Associates! Contribute to the Catherine Kasper "Oscar" Nominations
• In Memory of Our Sisters
• Upcoming MoonTree Studio Events
• John XXIII Retreat Center Retreats and Activities
• Lindenwood Retreat Offerings
• Directory Updates

The Hilton Foundation Initiative on Catholic Sisters is sponsoring the first National Catholic Sisters Week on March 8-14, 2104, as part of National Women’s History Month.

Countless institutions across the country – hospitals, schools, churches – would not have come into being or remained in operation were it not for the blood, sweat and prayers of Catholic Sisters. This March the Sisters are recognized for their widespread contributions!

A special kickoff to the week is being held on March 7-9 at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. The weekend will bring together college-age women and women religious:



• to talk about religious life and the manifold contributions of women religious 

• to discuss effective uses of social media to increase conversation among young women about religious life

• as well as to establish a strong network of college-age women, women religious and others who see value in these kind of sustained conversations.



Another important feature of this weekend will be discussions about grant-funded opportunities for college-age women to engage in a professionally developed oral history project across the United States. Sister Marybeth Martin, PHJC and Amanda Amstutz will be representing the PHJCs at this event. Amanda attends Ancilla College and has volunteered at Poor Handmaids ministries. Please join us in praying that this will be an enriching and worthwhile experience for all those who attend. For more information, visit https://www2.stkate.edu/ncsw/home or https://www.facebook.com/NationalCatholicSistersWeek

Sister Mary Jane Sloderbeck, PHJC, formerly known as Sister Irene, passed away on February 17, 2014 at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana. She was born to Elijah and Anna (Riplinger) Sloderbeck in Marion, Indiana on June 22, 1926. She entered the Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ community and professed her first vows on June 25, 1947.

Ancilla College graduated its 47th class in school history on Saturday, May 3, at the Ancilla Domini Chapel. The College awarded 78 students their degrees.

“Commencement is a special moment in the life of any college or university,” said Ancilla College President Dr. Ron May. “It is a time of recognizing the great efforts of the graduates in the completion of degrees. It also is a new beginning for each of those graduates whether they plan to transfer on to a senior college to complete a bachelor’s degree or go directly into the world of work. It is a time of joy for the graduates and their families. It is, similarly, a moment of joy for the faculty and staff who assisted the graduates on the way to earning a degree.”

Joan Haugh, Executive Director of Community Services of Starke County, was on hand to deliver the commencement address. “We are especially grateful to Mrs. Joan Haugh for delivering the commencement address this year. Mrs. Haugh is the quintessential example of how to live one’s life in service to others,” said May. A reception organized by the Ancilla Alumni Association followed, as Ancilla faculty, staff, students, and their families gathered in Cana Hall for fellowship and refreshments.

“Commencement at Ancilla College is such an exciting time,” said Dr. Joanna Blount, Dean of Academic and Student Services. “It is a celebration and culmination of hard work by students and faculty. Marching across the stage, changing the tassel from right to left – these are signs of achievement and, for some, the fulfillment of a dream that students did not expect to accomplish. We see the ways in which our students grew and flourished with the individual attention they receive from faculty and staff and know that we have shaped the lives of our students, that we have started them on a journey that will last a lifetime.”

An Honors Convocation was also held on Friday, May 2, at the Ancilla Domini Chapel, as outstanding students were honored for their achievements. Of the 78 graduates, 17 received recognition for graduating Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude.

Another 22 were honored for their affiliation with Ancilla’s Beta Beta Beta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society in American higher education. 23 were honored with being named among Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Receiving special honors were:Amanda Amstutz, Fort Wayne, (Scholar of Distinction), Jalon Linville, Louisville, KY, (Outstanding Male Scholar-Athlete), Mieka Wagner, Evansville, (Outstanding Female Scholar-Athlete), Mariah Adams, Plymouth and Ramon Blancovargas, Plymouth, (Outstanding Portfolio Award), Amanda Amstutz and Joe McCrammer, Plymouth, (All-Indiana Academic Team), Mariah Adams and Lynndie Mitchell, Plymouth, (Behavioral Sciences Award), Rachel Hansen, Dorset, OH, (Liberal Studies Award), Mieka Wagner (Science, Mathematics, and IT Award), Rashell Beron, Knox, (English Award), Ashley Cooke, Grovertown, (Nursing Award), Daniel Seago, North Judson and Desiree Narkawicz, North Liberty (Business Administration Award) and Jill Gavlick, Culver, (Religion and Philosophy Award).

Ancilla College (www.ancilla.edu) is a Catholic, liberal arts, Associate’s Degree college in Donaldson, Indiana, sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

Poor Handmaids are known for listening to the needs and responding in a courageous way. Sometimes this means opening or closing new ministries, or changing the focus of a ministry.

Sister Joyce Diltz, PHJC, Director of Bethany Retreat House in East Chicago, Indiana, listened to the Spirit in 1992 when she began providing silent retreat space at Bethany Retreat House. Along with day and overnight silent retreats and ongoing spiritual direction, over the years, Bethany added various workshops and reflection groups to its offerings, and has discontinued others.

Turtles, Frogs, Caddisflies, Butterfly caterpillars, Snails, Stoneflies, Mussels, Earthworms, Ground Beetles…Dragonflies and Preying Mantises…

What do these apparently insignificant animals do for us?

Plenty!

A few months ago, I received a Facebook message from a friend inquiring if I would be interested in serving on the board of Sojourner Truth House (STH). My mind immediately raced back to my previous encounters with the organization. I smiled when I thought of the Walk for STH and how it made me feel to join a sea of others walking to make a difference in the lives of women and their children.

The Valparaiso University Chorale, one of the top Lutheran choirs in the United States, will be coming to Donaldson on Saturday Feb 22. The concert will take place at the Ancilla Domini Chapel, The Center at Donaldson, 9601 Union Road, in Plymouth, IN at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Sister Philomene Pawlik, PHJC passed away on December 25, 2013 at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana. She was born to Hugo and Filomena (Romanovsky) Pawlik in Knox, Indiana on July 6, 1923. She entered the Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ community and professed her first vows on June 25, 1944.

Sister Philomene began ministering in the medical profession in 1946 at St. Anne Hospital, Chicago.  Over the next 51 years she served as a nursing, medical and surgical supervisor; clinical instructor; pediatric playroom supervisor; in pastoral care; or Sister hostess at many medical facilities throughout Indiana and Illinois. When the Catherine Kasper Home opened in 1970, she became the first head nurse and between 1985-1989, she served as Parish Ministry volunteer at Our Lady of Prairie in Belle Plaine, Minnesota.

Sister Philomene retired to the Catherine Kasper Home in 1997.

Once when reflecting back on her life, Sister Philomene said the most comforting word to her was faith – faith in God and faith in the people that touched her life.  She said being a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ meant to love and work in the presence of God and in the footsteps of Blessed Catherine Kasper.

May Sister Philomene rest in peace!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.

In This Issue:

• Associates Celebrate Gathering XI and 30th Anniversary
• Jan Macey Keeps Things Running Smoothly
• Update from East One
• In Memory of Our Sister
• Listening to God's Call: Catherine Kasper Vocation Center in Mexico
• Associate John Powen - Did you Know?
• South Region Associate Welcome Rita Heimann
• Upcoming 2014 MoonTree Studios Experiences

In this issue:

• New Board Member Reflects on Involvement with Sojourner Truth House
• The Associate Community Celebrates 30 Years
• Ancilla Alumni Visits Poor Handmaids in Mexico
• Poor Handmaids Culminate Their Celebration of 25 Years of Presence in Mexico
• Fall Fundraising Events
• Choosing Compassion: The Paradox of Power
• Earthworks First Annual Farm to Fork Dinner
• "Little Boy Blue" - Part One
• Tree Planted in Honor of Dr. Otis Bowen
• Then... and Now... and Everything in Between
• Catherine Kasper Life Center Recognized for Outstanding Resident Satisfaction
• Hands that Serve, Hearts that Care
• Photo Gallery: MoonTree Studios 2013
• LARE Grant for Lake Galbraith
• Poor Handmaid Ministries Continue to Serrve in Fort Wayne
• Sr. Henrietta Okeke Professes Perpetual Vows
• Notes from Our Readers
• Sojourner Truth House Board Member Recognized
• In Memory of Our Sister

This workshop has been rescheduled for December 18, 2013 due to weather. A life overflowing with work, children, and filled schedules can make going back to school seem too difficult. News of tuition increases can make it seem too expensive. For some it may be the fear of going back to school after years away from classrooms and homework. Ancilla College is offering two ways adults can become successful college students in 2014.

On Wednesday, December 11th, Ancilla is holding a free workshop for adults who are interested in returning to school. “College for Adult Learners” is set for 6 to 7:30 pm on Ancilla’s campus in room 231. Workshop materials, food and parking are free.

“The workshop will feature information on Ancilla programs, classes and degree options plus offer insights into financial aid options for adult students returning to school after several years’ absence,” Ancilla’s Sarah Lawrence said.

Lawrence, the assistant director of Admissions at the college, said offering a free workshop was an easy way for adults to get a chance to see the college. “We’re offering the workshop in the evening so working adults can come in after work and see the options we have available,” she said.

“Over half of students in Indiana who attended college in the last ten years did not finish with a degree. At Ancilla we can work with adults to get back into college and learn the skills they need to succeed with flexible evening, online and Saturday courses,” Lawrence said.

Ancilla College is also trying to make it easier for adult learners to try out college by offering a free course to adult students as part of the “We Believe in You” program. “We Believe in You” allows any adult, 21-years and older, who has not yet earned 10 college credits, to take a class with up to three credit hours at no cost (free tuition and fees).

In addition, all students in the program will have an academic advisor to assist them with every aspect of attending college for the first time, including help with the registration process, completing a financial aid application, choosing educational opportunities, and more. Spring classes begin Jan. 6, 2014 at Ancilla’s campus near Plymouth.

“We Believe in You” was created in 1988 by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. “Over 50 people have taken part in this program,” said Admissions Director Eric Wignall.

“Many of them have gone on to take more classes and several have completed college degrees. They started with one course to test the waters and took advantage of the opportunity to restart their education. Adult students can use the ‘We Believe in You’ grant on top of other financial aid from federal and state programs to launch a college degree,” Wignall said.

Originally the program was designed for students who had never attended college, but this year the program was expanded to students and military veterans who may have taken a few courses but did not continue with a degree program. “If you are an older student who tried college, but earned less than 10 credit hours, you can come to Ancilla and get the extra help and information you need to be successful today,” Wignall said.

Both the free workshop and college course are ways that Ancilla is engaging with the region’s workforce. “College is not just for 19-year-olds. Working adults at any age can still earn a college degree, moving their education and career forward,” Lawrence said.

“Taking a college course in writing or computer technology can jump-start a college degree at any age. Faced with a difficult jobs outlook today I expect to see more students across Northern Indiana to take that first step in college and receive up to three credits of coursework for free,” she said.

For more information on the workshop or “We Believe in You,” please contact the Ancilla College Admissions Office at (574) 936-8898.

Sister Christiane Humpert, a German PHJC Sister, was the featured presenter for the Ancilla College Lampen Lecture series Wednesday, November 13.

Sister Christiane discussed the life and experience of Sister Aloysia Löwenfels, another PHJC Sister, who was a victim of the Holocaust.Sister Christiane has been a student of Sister Aloysia for some time and was born in Germany right before the beginning of WWII.

The story Sister Christiane shared was a touching account of how Sister Aloysia, a young Jewish woman, became a PHJC Sister.  Sister Aloysia was born into a German Jewish family but was educated like many young Jewish girls in a Christian school. She adopted the faith and left her family and home country to become a Sister in the Netherlands. During WWII she was found and arrested. She was sent to Westerbork, a holding camp in the Netherlands before being transported and killed in the gas chambers at Auschwitz.

“A significant historical event such as the holocaust takes on new meaning when we hear the stories of individual persons deeply affected by the event.  The intolerance, prejudice, and hate shown to Sister Aloysia and the other Christian Jews who died with her show us how devastating these negative thoughts, emotions, and actions can be.   Our present generation has the task of combating the intolerance, prejudice, and hate that we see in our country and in our world.  A very big task,” explained Sister Carleen Wrasman, coordinator of mission integration at Ancilla College.

The Lampen Lecture Series is free lectures open to the public and is held in Room 231 at Ancilla College. The series was named for Sr. Joel Lampen, the first president of Ancilla College, who opened the doors of Ancilla to the local community. 

The Lampen Lecture Series was designed to combine the universality of the Catholic Church, the international character of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, who sponsor Ancilla College, and the Earth Charter to promote thinking beyond one’s own experiences and interests. 

The Lampen Lecture Series will continue in the spring semester.

Sister Vivian Brand, PHJC passed away on November 17, 2013 at the Catherine Kasper Home, Donaldson, Indiana. She was born to Henry and Josephine (Foppe) Brand in Germantown, Illinois on April 11, 1917. She entered the Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ community and professed her first vows on June 25, 1938.

Sister Vivian spent her whole life in education.  She began teaching in 1940 at St. Boniface School in Edwardsville, Illinois and in 1946 she taught at St. Augustine High School in Chicago, Illinois.  In 1946 she came to Donaldson to be the assistant dean/dean, librarian and teacher at Ancilla High School and later, as teacher, dean, professor and library volunteer at Ancilla College.  From 1946 until her death she lived and worked in Donaldson.  She will be buried at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Donaldson. 

Regarding education, Sr. Vivian said, “Serving God’s poor in the education ministry was rewarding, especially in the college.  Many students were nontraditional; many were the first in their families to attend college.  Helping them to attain marketable skills to support themselves and their families fulfilled a purpose of the college.”

May Sister Vivian rest in peace!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, PO Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513.