By Sister Kati Hamm
Sisters Maryann Seton Lopiccolo and Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick
Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR) is a fundraising organization founded in 1986 by a group of dedicated lay people who wanted to give back to “our aging religious.” The organization sees its mission to ensure the safety and dignity of the aging religious and help them to remain in active ministry. This past year they were able to grant close to two million dollars to meet practical needs of religious congregations throughout the United States. Among the grants offered were hospital beds, chair lifts, fire alarm systems, and automatic doors. The group holds dinners annually in Washington DC, New York City, and Southern California. This was the 36th Fundraising Dinner and it was held at the NYC Athletic Club on Central Park South.
Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo was awarded the Victor Yanitelli SJ Award in honour of her service at the Diocese of Brooklyn as Episcopal Delegate for Religious for 40 years. Over the years, her concern for supporting the constantly evolving needs of religious throughout the diocese has been evident.
Sister Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick introduced Sister Maryann at the dinner, and began by mentioning the collaboration, inclusivity of Sister Maryann’s work. She went on to speak about the incredible work of Sister Maryann. Her work for the Church of Brooklyn and as President of The National Catholic Vicars and within the SC Federation has had an impact on the Church both locally, nationally and internationally. Sister Maryann herself gave the attendees this insight into how she understands her ministry. At a recent conference of vicars all were asked to bring a symbol of their work. Sister Maryann chose earbuds and a microphone which alluded to the values of listening deeply and responding well. That captures her attitude perfectly and points to why she is so well respected and appreciated by those who know and work with her.
Standing (l-r) Sisters Roberta Kerins, Aileen Halleran, Liz Bickar, Joan Dawber, Susan Dean, Fran Fahey, Margaret Mary Fitzpatrick, Maureen Murphy, Kati Hamm, Kathleen Kull, Ann Woodford
Sitting Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo
More Charity Alive – November 2022
Gratitude
We share a few of the heartwarming stories from our benefactors. You will read of their inspiration to serve and share in our joyful witness to love.
Art Walk
Art Walk, Season 1 (see videos below) is an online presentation of some of the works of art done by Sisters of Charity, former sisters and associates over the years.
SOAR — Fundraising Dinner
Sister Maryann Seton Lopiccolo was awarded the Victor Yanitelli SJ Award in honor of her service at the Diocese of Brooklyn as Episcopal Delegate for Religious for 40 years.
Mystical Wisdom: Following Spirits Becoming – LCWR Conference 2022
The Leadership Conference of Religious Women (LCWR) held its annual assembly in person for the first time since 2019. More than 700 members attended this gathering in St. Louise from August 9 - 12, 2022, four of whom were from the Sisters of Charity Halifax leadership team.
Bursting With Pride at ATRI
I have often been proud to be a Sister of Charity of Halifax. Sometimes it was because of a prophetic and courageous stance on a serious issue. Most often, it was because of the witness to the charism of charity in the life and ministry of individual Sisters.
From the Archives — In Celebration of the Art Walk
Highlighting four Sister artists from our Congregation’s history.
More Charity Alive – August 2022
What an Accomplishment! St. John’s Bread and Life: 1982 – 2022
Since the early 2000’s, 12 of us have been present at Bread and Life. Its mission and ours resonate.
Centro Corazón de María [Heart of Mary Center] Celebrates 20 Years
A spectacular balloon sculpture, music, two artisanal cakes, but most important of all, about 150 friends old and new marked the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Centro Corazón de María, the ministry to the Latino community in Hampton Bays, New York.
Ebony Etchings
I invite each of you to join me in my exploration of my home space, my heart space, my God space where I live my truth as an African Nova Scotian woman and a member of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent DePaul, Halifax.
Associate Retreat May 2022
A sense of peace and serenity welcomed fellow Long Island/Queens Associates Betty Erdos, Helen Ogden, Mickey Madden, Ann Masters and me when we arrived at the tranquil and cozy house on the eastern bay for the weekend of May 20–22, 2022.
Book Review: White Privilege, Black Struggle in U.S. Religious Congregations
“Subversive Habits” is a clever title, but the subtitle that scholar Shannen Dee Williams chooses for her superb book states her theme much more cogently: ‘Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom Struggle.”
From the Archives — What’s in a name?
The inspiration for this article came from a recent delve into the history of one of the most inquired about teachers in the community, Sister Marie Clotilde Douglas.
Charity Alive – April 2022
Assembly 2022
There was excitement in the air. The preparations were done. The cloud technology held the livestreaming capacity ready. The sending off of the Halifax bus, carpools from Wellesley, various New York Toyotas wending their way up Route 95 to Boston, short trips, long air flights, all culminating in hugs and cheers, and a sigh of relief. We were finally together again.
Bridging the Future Meeting
It was, simply put, a blessing to be together. This was our third meeting and most would agree, our best.
Book Review: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
As the cover of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents states: this book is a beautifully written, original, revealing story of people and history, in which Isabelle Wilkerson examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America. She links the caste systems of America, India and Nazi Germany. The book was an eye-opener.
From the Archives — Auntie and the Orphan: The Story of Sisters Maria Felicitas Gee and Elizabeth Seton Belwood
I’m always fascinated by the early Sisters and their lives in community before 1900. How did women find out about the Sisters of Charity, a relatively new and growing congregation? As I looked more into the history of Sister Maria Felicitas, I was surprised to find the touching story of how two Anglican British-born women ended up as Sisters of Charity-Halifax.
