TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON
Ecclesiastes 3:1
The change of seasons brings changes in the life of our Province as well.
AT ASSUMPTION UNIVERSITY
After many years of dedicated service on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of Assumption University, Sr. Clare Teresa Tjader, of our Philadelphia community, attended her final Board meeting last month. We thank her for all she has given to the University over the years. Her dedication has enriched the life of the institution and strengthened the bond of collaboration between the Assumptionists and the Assumption Sisters. During her time at the University, Sr. Clare was awarded the Emmanuel d’Alzon Medal for her dedication to Catholic education and the broader Assumptionist community. Before her governance role at the university, Sr. Clare Teresa served as the Superior General of the Religious of the Assumption (1983-1995) and as the Provincial of the United States (2000-2006). The Worcester community will miss her visits whenever Board meetings brought her to campus.
In the spirit of this ongoing collaboration with Assumption University, and with the desire to keep alive the Assumptionist character of the institution, the Board of Trustees has invited Sr. Nuala Cotter to join the Board and serve on the Executive Committee. She has graciously accepted, and we are deeply grateful for her willingness to take on this new mission beginning in the fall. Sr. Nuala brings to this role her many years on the faculty as a professor of English and Theology, her experience in Campus Ministry, her deep knowledge of the campus community, and her great love for our charism of education. Thank you, Sr. Nuala!
AT AMA AND ASSUMPTION CENTER, WORCESTER
In March 2017, Sandy Piwko joined our Province as Director of Vocation and Volunteer Ministry, succeeding Michelle Sherman, who had pioneered the role. Now, after nine years of generous and dedicated service, the time has come for Sandy to conclude this chapter of her ministry with us.
From the very beginning, Sandy has been a valued and dear partner in mission, always bringing her very best to her work and generously offering herself wherever she was needed, both for AMA and for the Assumption. We could never fully name all that she has done, nor the spirit with which she has done it: with her characteristic good cheer, optimism, kindness, friendliness, deep faith, and ready generosity. We will miss her greatly—most especially the Sisters of the Worcester community, the members of the Cana Community, and all the AMA alums.
Sandy is a discerning person who listens deeply to the movements of her heart. In recent years, she has felt especially drawn to accompany the elderly, the sick, and the dying as they prepare for their encounter with God.
While we are saddened by her departure, we are also deeply grateful that she will continue to live her vocation of loving service in a way that so beautifully reflects the compassion of God. Let us keep Sandy close in prayer as she begins this new chapter, and let us thank her with all our hearts for the grace, dedication, and love she has shared with us throughout these years. One thing is certain: Sandy will remain forever our friend and always a part of Assumption Together.
LITTLE SISTERS OF THE ASSUMPTION CELEBRATE 135 YEARS IN NEW YORK
On June 13th, our “cousins,” the Little Sisters of the Assumption, celebrated 135 years of bringing the Gospel to life in New York City through their dedicated presence and ministry among families in need.
A wonderful crowd gathered to honor this profoundly beautiful legacy, including Sisters Nuala, Akeneta, Phuong, and Delphine from our own Worcester community. The Little Sisters are leaving their long-time home of New York to move to Worcester, where their history of presence and ministry is equally legendary.
We give heartfelt thanks for the countless lives touched by the Little Sisters during their 135 years in New York. The seeds of love, family spirit, service, and Gospel values they have planted will undoubtedly continue to bear fruit for generations to come.
Our Sisters in Worcester look forward to welcoming our four “cousins” when they officially move to “The Woo” to continue their vital mission of transforming the world through Christ’s compassionate presence.
