Dear Friend,

Anniversaries are momentous occasions. They remind us of where we've been, and fill us with anticipation for what's ahead. As the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary face the future, we are able to look back and take strength from 175 years of presence and partnership. What began with a courageous journey across the ocean waters so long ago continues today as our Sisters follow the Spirit into the uncharted waters of the 21 st century.

We do not head out into these waters with trepidation. We know that our work rides on currents of hope. We have faith in God's presence, and we find inspiration in the people we serve and in friends like you, who have made a commitment to our work through your prayers and support.

With faith, courage and freedom, the Sisters of Charity, BVM follow where the Spirit leads, staying true to the heart of their mission while meeting the needs of a changing world.

It was 175 years ago that our foundress Mary Frances Clarke and four other laywomen left their homes in Dublin , Ireland , for the unknown land of America . They first arrived in Philadelphia to teach the children of Irish immigrants, but their mission grew and soon they were joining other pioneers in Iowa Territory , where they served the families of farmers and miners. Eventually the Sisters of Charity, BVM brought their ministries as far west as California and Hawaii , south to Latin America and east to Africa .

With that same pioneer spirit, our sisters today approach their ministry in relation to the needs of the world. They are willing to step out into the unknown and serve wherever people are suffering or struggling – by educating children, protecting the environment, caring for the poor, and working for peace and justice. Our retired sisters remain active in our mission and vibrant members of our community.

Sister Ann Patrice Durr, who recently celebrated her 75 th jubilee as a BVM, is one of those retired but active sisters. She lives at Mount Carmel where she says she stays involved in every activity offered o her. “You only live once,” she told me, “so you should take every advantage.

Sister Ann Patrice, 91, spent a lifetime giving advantages to other people, specifically children.

Sister Ann Patrice Durr, BVM(in blue dress), celebrates her 75 th jubilee with family, friends and even a few former first-grade students. A teacher for close to 50 years, Sister Ann Patrice says that although she loved teaching most of all she was happy wherever her vocation took her in life. As a teacher, her special touch reached from kindergarten to high school, and had such an impact on her students that seven of former first-graders attended her jubilee celebration! She proudly recalls that of these students, two married each other, two became priests, one a permanent deacon, and two joined the Sisters of charity, BVM.

“As a teacher, you have to let the students know that you love them. We all want to be loved,” she says. “If you are a loving person, that love emanates from you to the people around you,”

For all of us, Sister Ann Patrice is a living witness to our past, a reminder of how our mission remains the same even when our ministries change. That is what life asks of us, what God asks of us: to change and grow and cross the waters to wherever it is we are being called to serve.

There are so many pressing needs in our world today, needs that demand our attention, love, and commitment. Like Mary Frances Clarke, we are willing to go wherever the Spirit leads us, but we need the help of friends like you. Please consider sending a gift today!

God bless you for your kindness and your commitment to the Sisters of Charity, BVM and our ministries. We will pray for you each day, thanking God for your friendship and your willingness to cross the waters with us.

With sincere appreciation,

Joellen McCarthy, BVM
President

P.S. I am enclosing an anniversary prayer card as a sign of our appreciation. Please join us in prayer in this jubilee year of thanksgiving. We will remember you and your loved ones in prayer each day.

Please complete this mail-in form and send your gift to:

Sisters of Charity, BVM
1100 Carmel Drive
Dubuque Iowa 52003-7991
563.588.2351 ext. 5570

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