LCWR Nebraska Letter to the Omaha World Herald's Public Pulse - Response to the Execution Held in Nebraska on August 14, 2018
As citizens of the state, we empower systems that establish order and work to curb violence. When an individual chooses to commit a violent act, government is tasked to hold that person responsible and protect society.
Yesterday, the State of Nebraska deliberately ended a life as punishment for murder. The government that we empower killed one of our citizens. When a life is taken it cannot be replaced. The loss is permanent. Taking another’s life in response, whether in the guise of justice or retribution, does not heal, compensate, or restore. Rather, it increases the violence in our world. When violence is committed in the name of the state we are all complicit, even though not all of us condone such actions.
As leaders of Catholic communities of women religious, we call for continued reflection on the ways in which we, as a society, perpetuate violence. We also ask for forgiveness for the harm that is done in our collective names. We believe that most Nebraska citizens want to work toward an end to violence; we need a government that is courageous to lead that effort.
Sincerely,
Margaret Hickey, ND
President, Notre Dame Sisters
Mary Gehringer, OSM
Prioress, Servants of Mary
Susan Sanders, RSM
President, Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community
Yesterday, the State of Nebraska deliberately ended a life as punishment for murder. The government that we empower killed one of our citizens. When a life is taken it cannot be replaced. The loss is permanent. Taking another’s life in response, whether in the guise of justice or retribution, does not heal, compensate, or restore. Rather, it increases the violence in our world. When violence is committed in the name of the state we are all complicit, even though not all of us condone such actions.
As leaders of Catholic communities of women religious, we call for continued reflection on the ways in which we, as a society, perpetuate violence. We also ask for forgiveness for the harm that is done in our collective names. We believe that most Nebraska citizens want to work toward an end to violence; we need a government that is courageous to lead that effort.
Sincerely,
Margaret Hickey, ND
President, Notre Dame Sisters
Mary Gehringer, OSM
Prioress, Servants of Mary
Susan Sanders, RSM
President, Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community
LCWR Nebraska Letter - Supporting Nebraska bishops' similar article to the Omaha World Herald
To the Editor:
It has been thirty-nine years since the murders of two Omaha cab drivers. The lives of two men were callously ended. Two families were deprived of their loved ones. Our community lost two citizens.
When asked his thoughts about the scheduled execution of Carey Dean Moore, Steve Helgeland, the son of Maynard Helgeland who was shot and killed by Moore in August of 1979, said “I have no interest in watching him die. It’s not going to do anything for me.” We agree.
As women who have joined communities of Catholic religious sisters serving in Nebraska to spread the Gospel by teaching and example, we don’t see anything to be gained by executing an inmate who has been safely incarcerated by our prison system for decades. On the contrary, the State sponsored killing of an individual, even one convicted of the heinous crime of murder, contributes to the cycle of violence that is endemic in our society.
Through our histories and our service to the people of Nebraska, we have striven to be educators, healers and advocates for the vulnerable members of our community. We call on the State to do the same: to show mercy and true justice by foregoing another violent and senseless killing. At the same time, we pray for healing and comfort for the victims of violence and for a change of heart and behavior for those who perpetrate such violence.
Sincerely,
Margaret Hickey, ND
President, Notre Dame Sisters
(3501 State St. Omaha, NE 68112)
Mary Gehringer, OSM
Prioress, Servants of Mary
(7400 Military Rd. Omaha, NE 68134)
Susan Sanders, RSM
President, Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community
(7262 Mercy Rd. Omaha, NE 68134)
It has been thirty-nine years since the murders of two Omaha cab drivers. The lives of two men were callously ended. Two families were deprived of their loved ones. Our community lost two citizens.
When asked his thoughts about the scheduled execution of Carey Dean Moore, Steve Helgeland, the son of Maynard Helgeland who was shot and killed by Moore in August of 1979, said “I have no interest in watching him die. It’s not going to do anything for me.” We agree.
As women who have joined communities of Catholic religious sisters serving in Nebraska to spread the Gospel by teaching and example, we don’t see anything to be gained by executing an inmate who has been safely incarcerated by our prison system for decades. On the contrary, the State sponsored killing of an individual, even one convicted of the heinous crime of murder, contributes to the cycle of violence that is endemic in our society.
Through our histories and our service to the people of Nebraska, we have striven to be educators, healers and advocates for the vulnerable members of our community. We call on the State to do the same: to show mercy and true justice by foregoing another violent and senseless killing. At the same time, we pray for healing and comfort for the victims of violence and for a change of heart and behavior for those who perpetrate such violence.
Sincerely,
Margaret Hickey, ND
President, Notre Dame Sisters
(3501 State St. Omaha, NE 68112)
Mary Gehringer, OSM
Prioress, Servants of Mary
(7400 Military Rd. Omaha, NE 68134)
Susan Sanders, RSM
President, Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community
(7262 Mercy Rd. Omaha, NE 68134)
Congratulations to our 2018 Jubilarians
Sr. Christine Elias 70th, Sr. Karen Rolenc 60th, Sr. Rita Ostry 50th, Sr. Veronica Jo Posekany 50th
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Sister Christine Elias, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa celebrated seventy years as a Notre Dame Sister on June 10, 2018 with family, friends and her religious community at a Eucharistic Liturgy and reception.
The daughter of the late Joseph and Katerina Elias, Sister made her profession of vows in 1948. She attended the College of St. Mary where she earned a bachelor of education degree, and Creighton University where she earned a master’s in education. She served as teacher and/or principal in Iowa at St. Ludmilla School, Cedar Rapids and St. Joseph in Chelsea; in Nebraska at Assumption in Dwight, St. Theresa’s and Assumption in Omaha; and in Kansas at Sacred Heart in Atwood. In 1980 Sister Christine became parish associate in St. Ludmilla in Cedar Rapids with a focus on the needs of the elderly and the ill. She volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Store and spent many years as docent for the Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids.
Sister Christine served as a member of the Notre Dame leadership team and as a delegate to the congregations’ International Chapter held in the Czech Republic.
Currently Sr. Christine resides at Immanuel Fontenelle where she ministers through her prayer and by her presence to other residents.
Sr. Karen Rolenc, daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes Polak Rolenc, will celebrate sixty years of vows as a Notre Dame Sister on June 10 at 2 p.m. at the Notre Dame Chapel in Omaha. Born in Brainard, Nebraska, Sister attended Holy Trinity School until eighth grade, and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Omaha. She attended Omaha Technical College and Metropolitan Community College, both in Omaha, where she earned an Associate degree in Applied Science/Early Childhood/Head Teacher/Director.
After professing vows in 1958, Sister performed housekeeping duties at the motherhouse and at Assumption Convent in Omaha; St. Ludmilla Convent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and St. Wenceslaus Convent in Wahoo. She spent seven years as sale room supervisor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Porcupine, South Dakota. From 1973 to 2009 her ministry was in child care as supervisor at St. James Day Care, teacher at Child Saving Institute, supervisor of teachers at Creche Child Care, and coordinator of St. Richard’s Day care, all in Omaha. Currently Sister Karen is personal care coordinator for the Notre Dame Sisters living at Immanuel Fontenelle and Courtyard.
Celebrating 50 years of religious profession is Sister Rita Ostry, daughter of the deceased Joseph and Marie (Matulka) Ostry. Born in Surprise, Nebraska she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in elementary education and a Master’s Degree in social work, both from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
In her elementary education ministry she served in Nebraska at Howells Community Catholic School (1970-71), St. Adalbert’s in Omaha (1971-1977) and St. Mary’s School in David City (1977-1978). In South Dakota she worked on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Porcupine (1978-84; 1989-2002; and 2010-2017) and at Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge (1987-1989).
Sr. Rita served on the Notre Dame Provincial Council from 2002-2009 and currently serves on the Leadership Team for the community. Her commitment to peace and justice has impacted the lives of students and colleagues.
A native of Chelsea, Iowa, Sister Veronica Jo Posekany, has been a Notre Dame Sister for 50 years. The daughter of the late John and Mayme Posekany, Sr. Veronica Jo has served in the Omaha Archdiocese her entire career in the nursing field. She served at St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged and for over 45 years gave excellent care to patients at University Hospital and Nebraska Medicine as a registered nurse. She is known for her compassion and personal attention.
Currently serving as Health Care Coordinator for the Notre Dame Sisters, Sr. Veronica Jo continues her healing ministry. A celebration of her Golden Jubilee will take place on June 10, 2018 at the Notre Dame Chapel in Omaha.
The daughter of the late Joseph and Katerina Elias, Sister made her profession of vows in 1948. She attended the College of St. Mary where she earned a bachelor of education degree, and Creighton University where she earned a master’s in education. She served as teacher and/or principal in Iowa at St. Ludmilla School, Cedar Rapids and St. Joseph in Chelsea; in Nebraska at Assumption in Dwight, St. Theresa’s and Assumption in Omaha; and in Kansas at Sacred Heart in Atwood. In 1980 Sister Christine became parish associate in St. Ludmilla in Cedar Rapids with a focus on the needs of the elderly and the ill. She volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Store and spent many years as docent for the Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids.
Sister Christine served as a member of the Notre Dame leadership team and as a delegate to the congregations’ International Chapter held in the Czech Republic.
Currently Sr. Christine resides at Immanuel Fontenelle where she ministers through her prayer and by her presence to other residents.
Sr. Karen Rolenc, daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes Polak Rolenc, will celebrate sixty years of vows as a Notre Dame Sister on June 10 at 2 p.m. at the Notre Dame Chapel in Omaha. Born in Brainard, Nebraska, Sister attended Holy Trinity School until eighth grade, and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Omaha. She attended Omaha Technical College and Metropolitan Community College, both in Omaha, where she earned an Associate degree in Applied Science/Early Childhood/Head Teacher/Director.
After professing vows in 1958, Sister performed housekeeping duties at the motherhouse and at Assumption Convent in Omaha; St. Ludmilla Convent in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and St. Wenceslaus Convent in Wahoo. She spent seven years as sale room supervisor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Porcupine, South Dakota. From 1973 to 2009 her ministry was in child care as supervisor at St. James Day Care, teacher at Child Saving Institute, supervisor of teachers at Creche Child Care, and coordinator of St. Richard’s Day care, all in Omaha. Currently Sister Karen is personal care coordinator for the Notre Dame Sisters living at Immanuel Fontenelle and Courtyard.
Celebrating 50 years of religious profession is Sister Rita Ostry, daughter of the deceased Joseph and Marie (Matulka) Ostry. Born in Surprise, Nebraska she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in elementary education and a Master’s Degree in social work, both from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
In her elementary education ministry she served in Nebraska at Howells Community Catholic School (1970-71), St. Adalbert’s in Omaha (1971-1977) and St. Mary’s School in David City (1977-1978). In South Dakota she worked on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Porcupine (1978-84; 1989-2002; and 2010-2017) and at Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge (1987-1989).
Sr. Rita served on the Notre Dame Provincial Council from 2002-2009 and currently serves on the Leadership Team for the community. Her commitment to peace and justice has impacted the lives of students and colleagues.
A native of Chelsea, Iowa, Sister Veronica Jo Posekany, has been a Notre Dame Sister for 50 years. The daughter of the late John and Mayme Posekany, Sr. Veronica Jo has served in the Omaha Archdiocese her entire career in the nursing field. She served at St. Vincent’s Home for the Aged and for over 45 years gave excellent care to patients at University Hospital and Nebraska Medicine as a registered nurse. She is known for her compassion and personal attention.
Currently serving as Health Care Coordinator for the Notre Dame Sisters, Sr. Veronica Jo continues her healing ministry. A celebration of her Golden Jubilee will take place on June 10, 2018 at the Notre Dame Chapel in Omaha.
The Notre Dame Sisters and Notre Dame Housing extend our gratitude to John and Wende Kotouc and American National Bank for their continued partnership with us. American National Bank provided a $21,000 challenge gift in support of our Proud Legacy. Bright Future. Campaign. We are grateful for their generosity and ongoing support! Thank you!
Sisters and NDH residents gathered on Tuesday, Nov. 7, to assemble 32 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We extend a big thank you to Sr. Joan for leading the project!
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The Coalition on Human Trafficking’s Hotel-Motel Project receives $25,000 grant
The Coalition on Human Trafficking, Inc.’s Hotel-Motel Project continues to train personnel in hotels/motels to Realize that sex trafficking occurs in many such facilities; to Recognize signs of sex trafficking especially relevant to hotels/motels, and to Respond promptly and appropriately. We have now trained personnel in more than 100 hotels/motels in the Omaha Metro and Lincoln areas. Because of its success, the project is also spreading across the state and being requested beyond Nebraska.
We have great news to share! On Oct. 27, the Women’s Fund of Omaha awarded the Coalition with a $25,000 grant for the third consecutive year to continue our Hotel-Motel Project. Together we are making a difference; thank you for your prayers and financial support!
The Notre Dame Sisters are among the founding groups of the Coalition and continue to foster its growth as the Coalition has reorganized to an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Through this transition period, the Notre Dame Sisters, who have a position on the Coalition’s board of directors, are generously serving as a fiduciary for the Coalition and its funds at no cost.
The Coalition on Human Trafficking, Inc.’s Hotel-Motel Project continues to train personnel in hotels/motels to Realize that sex trafficking occurs in many such facilities; to Recognize signs of sex trafficking especially relevant to hotels/motels, and to Respond promptly and appropriately. We have now trained personnel in more than 100 hotels/motels in the Omaha Metro and Lincoln areas. Because of its success, the project is also spreading across the state and being requested beyond Nebraska.
We have great news to share! On Oct. 27, the Women’s Fund of Omaha awarded the Coalition with a $25,000 grant for the third consecutive year to continue our Hotel-Motel Project. Together we are making a difference; thank you for your prayers and financial support!
The Notre Dame Sisters are among the founding groups of the Coalition and continue to foster its growth as the Coalition has reorganized to an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Through this transition period, the Notre Dame Sisters, who have a position on the Coalition’s board of directors, are generously serving as a fiduciary for the Coalition and its funds at no cost.
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Notre Dame Sisters
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