Two Federation Congregations Merge
Contact:

Mary Kay Gilbert
Director of Communications
Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati (513) 347-5466  marykay.gilbert@srcharitycinti.org
  
 

Forty-nine Vincentian Sisters of Charity take vows as Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 28, 2004

Cincinnati – Two congregations who are members of the Sisters of Charity Federation in the Vincentian-Setonian Tradition, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati and the Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Bedford, took the final and decisive step in a multi-year merger process at Villa San Bernardo in Bedford, Ohio, (near Cleveland) Sunday, June 27. During an afternoon ceremony the 49 Vincentian Sisters of Charity, who formally dissolved their congregation earlier that day, took vows as Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati.

“Now the merger becomes reality!” said Sister Barbara Hagedorn, president of the Sisters of Charity. “As a new congregation we will be forever changed, but in the transition some essential things remain constant. Together we will be guided by the love of Christ; we will strengthen the bonds of Charity given to us from our founder and foundresses; we will support one another in mission; and we will be always grateful to our families and friends who continue to support us in our renewed life as women religious in today’s Church and world.”

With more than 500 people in attendance and the Most Rev. Bishop Anthony J. Pilla as celebrant, the Vincentian Sisters processed into the outdoor Shrine of Our Lady of Levocha on the Motherhouse grounds amid spontaneous applause. In his homily the Bishop said, “This action today is the fulfillment of what you’ve always been called to do. It is not an ending, but rather a fulfillment. … The same spirit is calling you to charity. … Your fidelity to that call is something we admire and for which we are most grateful.”

Each Vincentian was called forward by name. As a group they said their vows as Sisters of Charity. In accepting their vows, Sister Barbara Hagedorn said, “The future of our renewed community begins now. Together, let us do our best and leave the rest to God.”

The present and past members of the Sisters of Charity Leadership Council presented each new member of the congregation with a pin and the Constitution.

Vincentian Associate Joyce Yorkievitz also signed commitment papers as an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati during the ceremony.

The merger process began for the Vincentians of Bedford in 1991. They began serious discussion with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati in 2001. Following several years of dialogue and interaction, both congregations voted unanimously in favor of the merger at their respective meetings in March 2003. The merger of the congregations, who share similar charism and mission, enhances their ability to minister in the areas of education, health care, pastoral and social services as they move into the future. 

Sister Christine Rody, who served as general superior of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity, said that the merger was motivated by a concern for ensuring a continuity of ministries that the Vincentians began 75 years ago. “Keenly aware of the pull of the mission of charity, we look forward to joining another religious community of women who are as committed to that mission as we are.” 

The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, whose Motherhouse is located in Delhi Township, a western suburb of Cincinnati, is an apostolic Catholic women’s religious community that exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world. Sisters, using their professional talents as ministers of education, health care, pastoral and social services, currently live and minister in 18 U.S. states and in Guatemala. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor. The Sisters are joined in their mission by 131 lay Associates. Visit the Sisters of Charity website at www.srcharitycinti.org.
 

Mary Ellen Murphy, SC (center), pins the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati pin on Judith Ann Ansberry, VSC (left), during the vow ceremony. Mary Michele Fischer, SC, is at right.