1

Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
1. Live and let live. Everyone should live by this principle. The more we try to
arrange other peoples lives, the more trouble we get into. Dont judge, lest
we be judged ourselves.
2. Be giving of yourself to others. Be generous with our gifts. The more generous
we are in sharing our gifts and talents, the less stagnant we will become. Self-
centeredness leads to stagnation.
3. Proceed calmly. Too much anxiety is created by moving too quickly through
life. Life is much less stressful if we move with kindness, humility and sense of
calm.
4. A healthy sense of leisure. We are too caught up in consumerism and the
stress that is created by working too many hours. We need to take time to
relax and enjoy lifeand if you are married, spend more time with your
family. Play with themcommunicate with themspend less time in front of
the TV.
5. Sundays should be holidays. Keeping holy the Sabbath is one of the Ten
Commandments. We need to take that seriously. Sunday is for family. If we
are an employer, we need to respect the Sabbath for employees and not
require they work on that day.
6. Find Innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people. Our young
people are suffering from a crisis of unemployment. They have much to give
and they need to work. We must do what we can to help them find
employment.
7. Respect and take care of nature. We need to do a much better job of
respecting our environment. We are in a relationship with nature and we are
doing poorly in that relationship. One of the biggest challenges we face as a
society is the degradation of our environment. What are we going to do for the
future of our planet?
8. Stop being negative. Knocking others down is a sign of low self-esteem.
Having positive thoughts is a sign of good health.
9. Dont proselytize, respect others beliefs. Proselytizing indicates a lack of
respect for someone elses beliefs. We draw others to us through attraction.
Always be kind and respectful towards others.
10. Work for peace. Peace is not something that happens when we do nothing.
Peace is work and we need to work hard to do what we can to achieve peace.
Ten Tips for Bringing Greater Joy to Life from Pope Francis
Submitted by Sr. Doris Ann Samens, OSM


What a wonderful issue of Common Threads this is because of all of you who
contributed articles! As you will see, there are a variety of items in this edition. No
matter what the article, it is wonderful to have so many of your sharings!
We are entering the season of Thanksgiving for family, friends and community. I
think you all share my gratefulness for the blessings we are to each other. May you
enjoy the blessings of the season!
Cheryl Nordby


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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
On a beautiful fall day in Ladysmith, we had a
celebration at the Sisters Residence to
commemorate twenty years of service to the
people of our area at the Servite Center for
Life. The day included historical displays of
photos and printed materials, books of events
happenings throughout the twenty years, a
slide show featuring pictures of the grounds
(which includes the Labyrinth, the Healing
Garden, the Medicine Wheel, and the Peace
Pole), Board members and Volunteers,
Workshops and programs, Prayer Shawl
Ministry, and Creative Community. Self-tours
were guided by printed brochures and the
assistance of Sr. Cecilia. Refreshments included
an eye-pleasing decorated cake, cheese and
crackers, and beverages.
Great visiting with wonderful memories filled
the afternoon. We are encouraged by the
support received as we continue to serve
through this local ministry.
A short history of the Center recalls the past as
we look forward to the future.
In 1994, The Servite Center for Life was
developed under the sponsorship of the Sisters,
Servants of Mary, Ladysmith, where the
charism, ministry, and mission of the Servants
of Mary would be on-going. In 1998, the
corporate sponsorship was transferred to a
local group of Servite Sisters in Northern
Wisconsin. In 2002, Articles of Incorporation
and By-Laws were drawn up, approved by the
State of Wisconsin, and The Servite Center for
Life became a separate 501(3) tax exempt
organization.
During these years a full time Administrator
carried on the mission of the Center with the
assistance of the local Servite Sisters and
numerous volunteers. A variety of programs
were offered to the people of the area for
educational and spiritual
development. Additions to the Servants of Mary
grounds through the Center included a
Labyrinth, Healing Garden, Medicine Wheel,
Peace Pole, and wild scape.
(continued on page 3)



Anniversary Cake
Dorothy Volkman and Anne Howard
enjoy the day
Sr. DeLourdes greets Pam from ICAA
who brings flowers
Servite Center for Life - 20th Anniversary Celebration
by Sr. Marguerite Samz, OSM

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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
(continued from page 2)
In 2003, the Center continued through the volunteer
work of a Program Director and the Board of
Directors.
Carrying on the mission "The Servite Center for Life,
an interfaith ministry rooted in the Servite tradition,
presents spiritual, religious, and educational
programs."
A very inclusive article was published in the October
9
th
issue of the Ladysmith News following an
interview by Luke Klink, Assistant Editor, with SCL
Honorary Board members Nancy Wheeler and Sister
Lucy Daniels, and Board members, Sisters
Marguerite Samz, Geraldine Schulte, and Mary John
VanderLoop.
A couple of quotes in this article say much about the
Servite Center for Life.
It is a wonderful resource that has been given to
our community by the sisters. I have always
admired them for that and appreciated the types of
program they have allowed me to do and kept up all
this time, said Nancy Wheeler, the former Outreach
Coordinator for the Servite Center for Life.
Sr. Mary Lucy Daniels touted the variety of
presenters from as far away as Brazil and from
other denominations like Islam and Muslim faiths.
It is kind of amazing to go back and look at them
all. You may not know the influence this has had on
people, she said.



Mary and Gary admire the new
memorial bench in honor of Srs.
Bernice Vanderloop and Casimira
Benbenek, former SCL Board
Members
Enjoying the displays
Sr. Bonnie enjoys visiting with her
schoolmate, Karen
Servite Center for Life - 20th Anniversary Celebration - continued
by Sr. Marguerite Samz, OSM


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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
Almighty and merciful God, I commend to
you all our deceased family, friends, and
those who have no one to pray for them.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and
let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the angels lead them into heaven.
May the splendid company of the saints
surround them.
May Mary their mother lovingly look on
them.
May they rejoice in your loving presence
for all eternity.
May they see Jesus face-to-face, and
standing always in his presence,
experience with happy hearts His great
love for them.
And may they rest in the eternal peace of
the contemplation of you,
their heavenly Father, in the presence of
the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFUL
DEPARTED
Submitted by Margaret Fandel Ferry
Lord, send the gift of your Spirit to fill
this place,
and myself and the world.
Touch me with truth
that burns like fire,
with beauty that moves me
like the wind;
And set me free, Lord,
Free to try new ways of living;
Free to forgive myself and others;
Free to love and laugh and sing;
Free to lay aside my burden
of security;
free to join the battle for
Justice and peace;
free to see and listen and to wonder
again at the
gracious mystery of things and
persons;
Free to be,
to give,
to receive,
to rejoice as a child of your Spirit.
And Lord, teach me how to dance,
to turn around and come down where
I want to be,
in the arms and hearts
of your people and in you,
that I may praise
and enjoy you forever.
Ted Lodes
Touch Me with Truth
Submitted by Sr. Doris Ann Samens, OSM


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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1

This fall, I traveled to Milwaukee for a meeting of the Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund Committee,
of which I am a member. After our work was completed, I joined Sister Sandy and Sister Sean
and traveled to Cable, WI for a meeting of The Weavers Intentional Group.
In the 1980s when the sisters were now scattered in their ministries and were no longer living
together as much, something was needed to keep the sisters connected. Small Intentional
Groups were formed consisting of 3 8 members who meet regularly for support and
enrichment. There are eight of these groups in the Community today.
One of the groups is the Weavers who meet twice a year in the Winter in Florida and in the
Fall in Cable. I was fortunate enough to have been invited, several years ago, to be a part of
this group, where I would enjoy spiritual enrichment and continuing community with the
Servites.
We have been using the booklets Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton for
our prayer and discussion time each day. Some of the fun things we have done together
include: Paint Your Own Pottery; tour to St. Johns in Collegeville, MN to view the New St.
Johns Bible; tours of local churches, including the newly renovated Cathedral in Superior; and
also apple and strawberry picking.
This year we visited the Cable Natural History Museum, the local library and most of the local
gift shops and art galleries. Sister Ginny arranged for us to visit the home and property of
Scott Hughes, a local artis/miniaturist who is also building a Buddhist Temple on his property.
It was a unique ecumenical experience. In these get togethers there is no lack of epicurean
delights and of course the obligatory evening game of cards.
For me these get-togethers are spiritually enriching and joy filled times. Being together with,
and welcomed by the Servites, is a loving lift in my life and a great opportunity for Seamus, at
home, to further develop his cooking and house-keeping skills - and of course get out golfing
with the guys.
Weavers Intentional Group
By Joan Benzschawel Clarke

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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
The Haasls lived in the western section
of Bohemia bordering Germany and
worked the land as serfs and guarded
the borders for the nobles/castle of
Horsovsky Tyn. In 1861, our great-great
grandparents, Joseph and Dorothea
Haasl, emigrated to America with their 6
children: Anna, Joseph (Sister
Rosemary's and Dorothy Ann's line),
John (Sister Cecilia's and my family
line), James, Katharine, and Adam. Four
more children were born in America:
George, Frank, Theresa and Charles.
Cecilia spent almost 14 years
researching every member from each
family line down to the fifth generation.
To celebrate its completion, everyone
was invited to travel to the Czech
Republic and see for themselves who
these ancestors were and where they
lived. Eighteen new found cousins
from four of the family lines answered
the call and spent September 19-29 in
the Czech Republic.
Our adventure began in Pilsen and visits
to the surrounding villages of our
ancestors; continuing with the
cathedrals; museums; a bus trip to
Bremen and Bremenhaven, Germany
(our ancestors left from there); the
Pilsner Urquell Brewery; the castles; the
Charles Bridge over the Vltava River;
Mozart's opera, Dom Giovanni; shops;
the Czech Dancers; a Jazz/Swing band;
a pipe organ recital; Terezin-a WWII
concentration camp; a welcome to
Horsovsky Tyn as honored guests by the
mayor; good, hearty food; excellent
beer; town square activities; street
musicians; and mimes. Our trip finally
ended with a two day stay in Prague, a
city of a hundred spires and one of the
most beautiful cities in the world! What
a wonderful experience! We have
memories that will last a life time!
Our Ancestry Trip to the Czech Republic
By Margaret Fandel Ferry



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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1

I heard someone once say that interruptions" are what make up our jobs. So it is true for
daily life no matter what plans we make. And sometimes they are the best kind of
surprises. I had been experiencing some grief over several close friends who died and so I
made plans to go home for a reunion with family. It was wonderful as I got to see most of
them in a party-like atmosphere. We always plan it during Milwaukee's "Irish Fest" which
is held along Lake Michigan in the downtown area. It has been going for some 30+ years,
started by then Mayor Meir. Each weekend is also for various ethnic festivals. It is a
wonderful time that included authentic music, food, and crafts. My sister, Mary, and some
cousins volunteer at ticket booths, security beer tents and the like so I got in free the first
day, reduced the second, went for a third, but, too tired for the fourth when many family
members were there. In between I strolled downtown along the riverwalk which is very
scenic.
Of course, I also had lunch with friends, went to an outdoor band concert, toured a new
boat launching pad at my sister's area, visited a nephew's home and visited with Sister
Doris Ann. "Home" is always good and I miss the area but not the cold winter! Back in Las
Vegas, I go to a writing group at the senior center, walks in beautiful parks (especially in
this weather) bingo and game night here at the housing. I will soon be part of a food
pantry group if all goes well. Now I have finger prints and a DNA lock of hair in the city
system because we work with kids, too. So I had better be good!

Interrupting Life
By Noreen McCormick




Linda Cupertino, me and
Sr. Doris Ann
Lorenzi Park, a small lake
about 5 blocks from
where I live
Ducks an art piece along Riverwalk in
Milwaukee

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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
It has been a while since I wrote anything for COMMON THREADS but I have always read
it to see what is happening to other Cojourners. Now I feel that it is my turn again.
Much has happened in my life in the past few years. Fin and I had a great little home at
the foot of the mountains in Albuquerque and loved it there. As the years passed and
each new birthday added years to our lives, we had to consider the future. We lived
outside the city limits with no bus service and no stores or offices around us. The doctors
and health professionals were a distance. Fin was still driving but what would happen
when he couldnt drive anymore? Well the Lord intervened. We knew we had to do
something but dragged our feet. Within a week, we found a wonderful Senior Living Place
called Palmilla Senior Living and signed a lease for an apartment.
It is like a luxury hotel with all the amenities we could want. A four star restaurant,
utilities provided, great apartments, a gym, a theater, library and many more things. We
have our apartment cleaned every two weeks and our bed linens and towels washed at
the same time. Many trips are made to doctors etc as well on outings for every week. All
of this is done with no tipping. In fact if any staff member takes any money or item from
us they will be terminated immediately. All the staff are recognized with something during
the holidays from all the residents together.
I cannot say enough about the staff. They are always pleasant, smiling and stop what
they are doing to get whatever we want. The wait staff in the dining room know us so well
that they will bring our drinks before we even sit down. In addition we are close to a mall
with every store we will ever need. By now you must realize that we love the place and
are very happy here.
One thing that we wondered about before coming here was about the residents. What
would they be like? Would they all be old and sickly? We found out that they are one of
the best thing about the place. People are here from all over the country and are very
pleasant and helpful. They take care of one another. We have made many wonderful
friends.
Selling our townhouse was a different story. It took us a year to get the place ready and
put it on the market. Finally on August 1, 2014 we signed the papers and were free from
that worry.
Fin has arranged to have a communion service every Sunday for the residents that cannot
go out to Mass. These people are very appreciative for this. Fin finally quit working for
Social Security in June, doing evaluations for people seeking disability payments.
My legs are still reminding me that I am 83. The doctors cannot decide what the problem
is or how to deal with it. I imagine that pain is a part of all of our lives. Arthritis is a pretty
good guess. While in the hospital one time, a sister dying of cancer told me that Pain is a
directive straight from God because no one can tell you to go to bed and suffer. Please
keep both Fin and I in your prayers and we will pray for all of you.
With Advent and Christmas not too far away, let us ask for the peace of the Infant to
bless all of us.
Peace, Joy and Love, Donna
Our Life in 2014
By Donna Rudolph Murphy

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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
Women, whose husbands were attending the Soo Line Convention in Ladysmith, came to
the Sisters' Residence as part of their tour. They were anxious to hear about the Servite
Sisters and their impact on Rusk County. Sister DeLourdes gave the women a grand tour of
our Servite residence. They were amazed at the beauty of the property. I told them of the
thousands of children, who were given a good Christian education by the Sisters, from
elementary school through college. Also of the thousands who received health care in our
hospital, nursing home and home health care.
The Ladysmith Servite Sisters' presence was felt in the church and civic community and had
a notable part in the history of Rusk County. The women enjoyed the stories of the Sisters
coming to Ladysmith on the Soo Line and then on many trips to Chicago until the last Soo
Line passenger car came to Ladysmith. Sister Mary John told all of us an interesting story
about her Grandpa giving her Father and Mother a cow for a wedding present. The cow rode
in the cattle car with Sr. Mary John's Dad. The new bride rode in the coach ALONE from
DePere to Ladysmith on their wedding night! When they got to Ladysmith, all three walked
4 miles to the farm!!!
The women left and were on their way to the next stop of their tour.
Six Sisters arrived in Ladysmith on the
Soo Line Train: September 1912
By Sr. Mary Lucy Daniels, OSM

On June 8
th
, 2014 Bruce and Lillian Almeroth
made their Promises in the Servite Lay Diakonia.
Fr. John Fontana, OSM, Prior Provincial presided
at the beautiful ceremony, which took place at
Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica in Chicago.
Bruce and Lillians entire family were
participants in the liturgical service. In the
ceremony, Bruce and Lillian also proclaimed a
Servite Creed, which gave witness to all of their
love for Christ and Mary, the Church and the
Servite Order.
The Secular Servite Community of Sts. Alexis
and Juliana from Hillside, IL prepared a delicious
luncheon, which followed the Promise Day
ceremony.
The Servite Lay Diakonia lifestyle is a movement
made up of lay people who have taken on and
share the love and responsibility of the Servants
of Mary. Diakonia, meaning servant, live their
lives in a special way, as a family (Domestic
Church) praying the Lectio Divina (listening to
the Word of God) and praying the Divine Office.
New Servite Lay Diakonia Couple Make Promises
Submitted by Sr. Margaret Valois, OSM

As their daily life enfolds, the Diakonia
family strive to share their treasure of
faith with their children and extended
family. With Sr. Margaret Valois, OSM,
as their Formation Director, Bruce and
Lillian met once a month to better
understand the obligations and lifestyle
of a Diakonia Family.
In a world where many families have
lost the importance of faith and prayer,
may there soon be other families who
will follow in the way of a Diakonia
community.

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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
One of my favorite poems written in
the 19th century is very much in tune
with our call today to become more
aware of the need and to take action
to preserve and restore the many gifts
of our earth and its resources that God
has given us.
To me the poem Gods Grandeur by
Gerard Manley Hopkins speaks of what
we have done to the earth in misuse
and also gives hope for the future
through the caring presence of the
Spirit to inspire us to action.
Recently, I obtained a DVD lecture
series entitled Gerard Manley
Hopkins: Magician of Words,
Sounds, Images, and Insights by
Joseph J. Feeney, SJ. I will be happy
to share this DVD with anyone who
enjoys this poet and would like to
learn more or refresh your knowledge
and enjoyment.
This program year at our Servite
Center for Life in Ladysmith, we are
featuring some programs and
discussion on the topic of the care for
the earth. In preparation I am reading
Elizabeth Johnsons book Ask the
Beasts: Darwin and the God of
Love This book is recommended by
one of our program presenters, Lucy
Slinger, FSPA, whose presentation, Be
in the Becoming: A Cosmological
Perspective of Theology and Ecology
is scheduled for October 29. This
promises to be filled with information
and challenges in our call to care for
the earth. You are invited to join us!
I am finding the reading of Johnsons
book to be filled with information and
a deepening of the experience of
finding God in all things. It has
increased my awe and wonder at
Gods Grandeur and the wonderful
gift of all life.
Caring for the Earth
By Sr. Marguerite Samz

The World is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from school foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared
with toil;
And wears mans smudge and shares mans
smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.
And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down
things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning at the brown brink eastward ,
springs
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah!
bright wings.
Gods Grandeur
By Gerard Manley Hopkins
"Ordinary Grace" by William Kent Krueger
is a great book! It is a novel, kind-of
mystery, about a 13 year-old boy and his
learnings about life and death. I read it with
other book club members; one of the club
members knows the author and he came to
our discussion in July. We asked if the
characters are based on people in his own
life; he said Yes. He is a "preacher's kid" as
is the main character in the book.

Book Recommendation
By Sr. Barbara Thomalla, OSM

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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
Killing Jesus by Bill O'Reilly (a history)
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzair
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
(what on earth am I here for?)
Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl (a triple
threat novel)
Driven by Donald Driver (from homeless,
to hero, my journey on and off Lambeau
Field)
Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew
Kelly (a spiritual guide to living with
passion & purpose)
Book Recommendations
By Margaret Fandel Ferry
Books that have impressed me:
AN ALTAR IN THE WORLD (a geography
of faith) by Barbara Brown Taylor. To quote
from the introduction "I have no idea what
you will see when you look at your life - but
if you are tired of arguing about religion,
tired of reading about spirituality, tired of
talk-talk-talking about things that matter
without doing a single thing that matters
yourself, then the pages that follow are
dedicated to you. My hope is that reading
them will help you recognize...some of the
altars in this world."
I've passed this book on and have had raves
from a number of folks including some who
are reading this now.
Another book I adored was THIS WILL BE
REMEMBERED OF HER (stories of women
reshaping the world) by Megan McKenna.
Megan weaves together three strands -
stories from scripture, stories of select
women from around the globe, and stories
from religious folk and wisdom traditions
worldwide - into one strong braid showing
how life can be made more compelling,
more communal, and more just for all
people. She juxtaposes biblical women and
contemporary women, exploring the
reasons why each woman has been
remembered. (Taken from the back cover -
couldn't have said it better myself.)
Id also recommend books from the
following mystery authors: Donna Leon,
Louise Penny and Jacqueline Winspear.
Book Recommendations
By Geri Jwanouskos
I love the books of William Kent
Krueger. He is a local author, writing
most of his books at the St. Clair Diner
near Macalaster College.
His newest fictional book, is Windigo
Island with the setting in northern
Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Overview
Cork OConnor battles vicious villains,
both mythical and modern, to rescue a
young girl in the latest nail-biting
mystery from New York Times bestselling
author William Kent Krueger. When the
body of a teenage Ojibwe girl washes up
on the shore of an island in Lake
Superior, the residents of the nearby Bad
Bluff reservation whisper that it was the
work of a deadly mythical beast, the
Windigo, or a vengeful spirit called Michi
Peshu. Such stories have been told by
the Ojibwe people for generations, but
they dont explain how the girl and her
friend, Mariah Arceneaux, disappeared a
year ago. At the request of the
Arceneaux family, Cork OConnor, former
sheriff turned private investigator, takes
on the case.
Book Recommendations
By Ruth (Langer) Maynard


12

Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1
MABF 2013 Grants Awarded
Submitted by: Cheryl Nordby

The Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund Committee
members met October 5
th
to review the 2014
grant proposals. The Committee received 24
proposals of which 23 were awarded grants. The
total amount given was $380,000. The following
are a few of the projects funded this year.

Grandmothers Beyond Borders was awarded
a grant to expand their projects (e.., buy a
pickup truck to use in both the gardening and
catering projects) for grandmothers raising their
grandchildren in Uganda. Sr. Bonnie Alho
sponsored this project.
Indianhead Community Action Agency
received a grant to support continuation of free
legal services for women who are victims of
abuse. Sr. Cecilia Fandel sponsored this project.
Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the
Americas was awarded a grant to purchase
burn therapy dressing materials and expand
available burn treatment services in Nicaragua.
Sr. Virginia Schwartz was the sponsor for this
project.
These are just a few of the wonderful projects
that will benefit from Mary Alphonse Bradley
Fund grants this year!
If you know of any agencies that would be
candidates for a MAB grant, please contact
any of the Committee members and they will
put you in touch with a Ladysmith Servite for
sponsorship. Contact Sandy DeGidio
(sfdosm@aol.com) if you need any Mary
Alphonse Bradley Fund brochures.
MABF Celebrates 15 Years of Giving
This year, the Mary Alphonse Bradley Fund
celebrates 15 years of giving. The Ladysmith
Servites established the MABF in 1998 with
income derived from the transfer of
Addolorata Villa in Wheeling IL to the
Franciscan Sisters of Chicago Service
Corporation. Over the years, 223 MABF
grants have been awarded to 31 countries
around the world totaling almost $3.8
million. The purpose of the fund is to
provide assistance for human and societal
needs, continuing the vision and ministry of
the Servite founders. Mother Mary Alphonse,
after whom the fund is named, was one of
the original six founders of the Ladysmith
community. Addolorata Villa was a ministry
especially dear to her heart.

MABF Committee
members:
Sr. Sandra DeGidio
Geri Jwanouskos
Cheryl Nordby
Sr. Dolores Henke
Joan Clarke
Sr. Sean Fox
Stewardship Gift Prayer
Lord, you alone are the source of every
good gift,
of the vast array of our universe,
and the mystery of each human life.
We praise you and we thank you
for your great power and your tender
faithful LOVE.
Everything we are and everything we have
is your gift,
and after having created us,
You have given us the greatest of all gifts,
your son, JESUS CHRIST.
Fill our minds with His truth and our hearts
with His love,
that in His Spirit
we may continue to be bonded together in
a community
of faithful, caring people.
In the name and spirit of Jesus,
we commit ourselves to be good stewards
of the gifts entrusted to us,
to share our time, our talent
and our material gifts as an outward sign
of the treasure we hold in Jesus.
Amen

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Common Threads
WE SHARE THE RICH TRADITIONS OF THE SERVANTS OF MARY AND SERVITE SPIRITUALITY
October 2014: Volume 7 Issue 1





Sr. Dolores Henke, OSM
A special note of appreciation is extended to Sr.
Dolores Henke. After serving on the MABF
Committee and Board since its inception, Sr.
Dolores made the decision not to renew for
another term. In Sr. Dolores own words: The
MABF does marvelous things to make our world
a better place. I am grateful to Mother Mary
Alphonse for her insight in building the Villa - its
transition to the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago
provided the funds we give away. How blessed
we are!
I have been on the Committee since its first
meeting on July 10-12, 1998. So, sadly I say my
farewell.
All the MABF Committee and Board members will
miss Sr. Dolores contributions to the work of the
MABF especially her thoughtful insights and
compassion for those in need!
In 2013, the MABF awarded a grant to Give Us Wings for
the construction of water kiosks in Nyaoga, Africa. The
following is from the Ocotber 2014 Give Us Wings
newsletter about this project.
Give Us Wings, in partnership with the Kakoth-Kataa Clean
Water Project and funded with a grant from the Mary
Alphonse Bradley Fund, completed construction of 11
permanent water kiosks earlier this year. The kiosks are
conveniently located throughout Nyaoga. Now, over 8,000
people have easy access to clean water!
These water kiosks have already changed the daily lives of
thousands of women and children. They no longer must
spend hundreds of hours each week fetching contaminated
water from Lake Victoria. They now can invest their time in
productive activities such as school, working in the fields
and working in their small businesses.
Access to clean water means the prevalence of water-borne
diseases will decrease. Also, since the kiosks are located
close to their homes, young girls and women will be less
likely to be assaulted on their way to collect water.
Community members are receiving training in managing
and maintaining the kiosks and water pipes and they well
eventually take over operation of the project.


Completion of Water Kiosks funded by a MABF Grant in 2013
Submitted by Cheryl Nordby