IECM – a journey in the footsteps of the founders of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill
Seated: Sisters Lorilee Ufolla, Grace Hartzog, Cory Canon
Standing: Sisters Anye Yu, Soon Dok Kim, Min Hee Jang, Ock Ja Choi, Moonkyung Park, Sun Hee Kim, Seong Rim Lee
Sisters participate in a mission of love, courage, and faith
Each summer, Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill from both the Korean and United States Provinces participate in an Interprovincial Experience of Charism and Mission (IECM). This year, participants gathered on July 19 at the Generalate in Chicago for presentations, reflection, prayer and sharing on Saints Elizabeth Ann Seton, Vincent DePaul and Louise DeMarillac, and on the heritage and traditions of the congregation. The group will travel to Ecuador to assist the Sisters of Charity serving in the school and medical clinic in Pedro Carbo. After their time in Ecuador, the participants will return to Chicago where they will be given time for personal as well as shared evaluation of the overall experience. The event concludes on August 3. Thanks to IECM participant Sister Grace Hartzog for providing photos and ongoing reports about IECM 2016.
Day 14, August 1, 2016
We began our day with breakfast by the ocean and then boarded the vans for a whale watching boat tour. What an awesome sight as we enjoyed eight whales who entertained us for a half hour. We headed for home to pack and prepare for for 3:00 AM departure.
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We have been so blessed and proud to share the mission of our sisters in Ecuador. We continue to be grateful to each of you for your prayers and support. The Charity of Christ urges us together!
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
Day 13, July 31, 2016
We boarded the vans early to go to Mass at the Shrine which is dedicated to Saint Narcisa de Jesus. We had a full day visiting the Guayaquil Cathedral, shopping at the market, enjoying the iguanas at Iguana Park and a trip to the ocean. The day ended with our overnight at a local hotel where we could enjoy Gods creation together.
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Day 12, July 30, 2016
Our day began by enjoying the papayas from the grove of trees market near the remote village. Sisters Janet and Tracy then led a retreat for us which included the faculty, staff, parish catechists and volunteers from Austria and Korea.
We were invited to dramatize Gospel passages as they related to life in Pedro Cardo today. The American sisters acted out the parable of the lost sheep and our sheep was lost to drugs which is a serious problem because they are inexpensive and easily purchased.
The day concluded with shared prayer a wonderful dinner and a farewell of deep gratitude to Janet and Tracy who added so much to sharing the Charity charism. We are so blessed to be in the Charity Federation.
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
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Day 11, July 29, 2016
“The harvest is ready; the workers are few. Come with me into the village!” This mantra continued in our hearts and minds throughout the day as we traveled to a remote village to share with children and their families today. At 7:00 AM, the INESEM faculty and staff loaded the truck with food, games and supplies to share their gifts with the children.
We traveled on uneven gravel roads for almost two hours and in spite of the cows crossing the road who stood in protest we arrived in time to greet children who walked miles or were transported by horses or motorcycles to share the day with us.
Once again, we joined dedicated teachers, who witness daily the Sisters of Charity charism because of our Korean missionaries.
They provided endless fun and learning opportunities for the 50 children who have only two small rooms for their classrooms and three teachers each day.
Following a hot lunch prepared at INESEM, we shared farewells and boarded the truck bus for the long journey home. We arrived once again tired and aware that we made a small dent as workers in the village!
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
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Day 10, July 28, 2016
This was our last day with the children, teachers, and staff at INESEM School.
What a great day together as we completed activities, shared cultures through dance and exchanged gifts with each other. The American sisters shared square dancing to “Oh Suzanna” while our Korean sisters captivated the hearts of all with traditional dance. The older hearing impaired students provided an opportunity for Ecuador culture with great joy. All were invited to participate in games that kept us smiling and laughing together. Indeed music and smiles are the languages of all hearts!
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
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Day 8 and 9, July 26 and 27, 2016
We have spent the last two days sharing crafts, music and games with the children. Three groups traveled to the homes of some of the students to assist with cleaning, bathing the children and other needs for the parents. More than 75 parents and grandparents joined us for special activities including Qigong movements and craft activities led by Sisters Cory and An Ye with Spanish translations by Sister Tracy Kemme. Meanwhile, Sister Janet Gildea met with the children and some parents to conduct health checks. Pictures speak a thousand words!
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
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Day 6 and 7, July 24 and 25, 2016
We were warmly greeted by our sisters when we finally arrived at the Guayaquil airport at 3:00 a.m. The sisters and wonderful drivers loaded the truck and vans and we were home by 4:30 a.m.
Following much-needed rest, we began our tour of INESEM, the special school for handicapped children.
Smiles and hugs from the children made the delays worthwhile.
In the afternoon, we made visits to the homes of a few of the families of our students. They have little material resources but much love and joy to offer.
Our evening prayer with sharing reflected our gratitude for our sisters who witness daily God’s love of children.
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
Day 5, July 23, 2016
Elizabeth Seton reminds us, “We await with certain hope…reaching out for the things ahead…looking steadily upward.” This morning, we were prepared, looking ahead and ready to depart for the airport when Sister Jane Ann received word that the flight would be delayed several hours because of mechanical problems.
Since we would miss our connection in Miami to Ecuador, we decided that God gave us a new gift which gave us time to practice the American presentations in Ecuador. Laughter filled the air in the dining area where we practiced with the support of our Korean sisters.
We now look forward to departing on Sunday as we live Elizabeth’s message: “Faith lifts the Soul, Hope supports it, Experience says it must, Love says—let it be.”
Day 4, July 22, 2016
Today marked our final day before departure to Ecuador at 8:00 AM on Saturday.
The day began with Sister Carole’s reflection and conversation on Elizabeth’s Vision of the Church. Father Tony Dosen, CM joined us for the Mission Sending Mass and prayed with us in the blessing, “Lord, look kindly on your servants: We send them forth as messengers of peace . . . Guide their steps and with the power of your grace strengthen them in spirit . . . Fill their hearts with the Holy Spirit, so that becoming all things to all people, they may lead many to you.”
During the special lunch, our Korean sisters shared their gratitude by harmonizing, “Sing a new Song.”
The afternoon was one of much laughter as we filled 12 large suitcases with crafts for the children and Korean food for our sisters in Ecuador.
In the footsteps of possibility, we follow with the courage of freedom, the strength of commitment, the blessing of community and a heart for God alone.
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
Day 3, July 21, 2016In the footsteps of love, we follow Louise empowered by humility, opening our gifts out of need . . . for God and one another. Sister Carole Marie Blazina shared Louise and the Signs of the Times as the IECM participants gathered together on the third day.
Following Mass with Father Rybolt, CM, Sister Sung Hae shared events in Elizabeth’s Life as a Religious focusing on the many challenges Elizabeth faced during her beginning months in Emmitsburg. What gift the Sisters of Charity experience as we walk in the footsteps of faith, following Elizabeth through darkness into light.
The heat and humidity changed the picnic in the park to an evening of pizza and walks at Lake Michigan.
We pray with Elizabeth, “To correspond to the grace of the moment means a wonderful union between you and God all day.”
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
Day 2, July 20, 2016
Father Edward Udovic, CM joined the group to share Vincent and Vincentian Charism focusing on Vincent’s most significant question, “What must be done?” and how that question changed his life and all who have walked in his footsteps.
Sister Sung Hae continued the conversation in the afternoon following Mass and lunch with her presentation, Providence, the Virtue of Indifference and Discernment in Vincentian Spirituality.
In the footsteps of simplicity, we follow Vincent on the path to God. Yet God is the path, the way of the single-hearted, the integrity of being.
~ Sister Grace Hartzog
Day 1, July 19, 2016
The 2016 sixth Interprovincial Experience of Charism and Mission participants were warmly welcomed by General Superior Sister Sung Hae Kim and the Generalate community as they gathered for the beginning orientation followed by prayer and dinner. Dessert included the official welcome apple pie with the decorations that included Elizabeth Seton’s photo and the reminder that “We are one!”
During the presentation Sister Minah Ahn added that Elizabeth reminded us to be “Children of the Church” and the photo of Jesus with children was symbolic as we prepare to build bonds with the children of Ecuador. Our evening sharing of vocation stories reinforced our oneness as we journey together in the footsteps of Vincent, Louise, and Elizabeth with courage and faith. It is good for us to be here!
~ Sister Grace Hartzog