News Around St. Agnes Home, Kirkwood MO

A Message from Sr. Mary Joseph, Provincial Supervisor

Dear Readers,

Praised be Jesus Christ and Happy Mother's Day!! What a beautiful gift God gave us when He invented moms. He knew how special He made them that He chose one for Himself as well . . . and then gave her to us! Join us in honoring Mary, the Mother of God, with our May Crowning on First Saturday (May 3) at 4:30 p.m. Our St. Agnes Home King and Queen will be carrying up the crown and the rest of us will join the procession by bringing in flowers as our expression of love.

In a couple of months, our two postulants, Megan and Lesley, begin their novitiate and will no longer be working in the Home. They will receive their religious name and habit on July 1, still aways away. But before that happens, they will go home for a week over Mother's Day. It's one of those indications that the time is getting closer. We will miss them while they are home with their family, but we'll rejoice all the more at their return. Sr. Mary Gabriel will also be going home for a week this month before departing for her year long trek to our Motherhouse in Holland on June 9. Please pray for safe travels for them all.

On June 1, Rev. Mother M. Angelina, our Superior General, Sr. M. Benedicta, Vicar General and Sr. M. Edita (Croatian) and Sr. M. Edith (German), both on the General Council, will arrive at St. Agnes Home. It is the first time for Sr. M. Edita and Sr. M. Edith to visit the United States. We will be keeping them busy until June 6 when we have our special celebration. I hope you and your family will all be present for that occasion!!! I will be looking for you there. Our Provincial Superiors from our other North and Central American Provinces will also be present: from Canada, Indiana, Texas and Nicaragua. Make sure to put on your best smiles and give them a warm welcome! And please pray for all your Sisters here that we do our best in hosting them for these special days.

You all are wonderful! I love our St. Agnes Home family.

Until next month!

Little is known about Simon Stock's early life. Simon Stock founded many Carmelite Communities, especially in University towns such as Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, and Bologna, and he helped to change the Carmelites from a hermit Order to one of mendicant friars. In 1254 he was elected Superior-General of his Order at London. Simon Stock's lasting fame came from an apparition he had in Cambridge, England, on July 16, 1251, at a time when the Carmelite Order was being oppressed. In it the Virgin Mary appeared to him holding the brown scapular in one hand. Her words were: "Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire. It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection." The scapular (from the Latin, scapula, meaning "shoulder blade") consists of two pieces of cloth, one worn on the chest, and the other on the back, which were connected by straps or strings passing over the shoulders. His feast day is May 16th.

Activity Update Mary Ann Coco

It's Springtime finally though Winter continues to put up a good fight. We enjoyed great weather on our trip to the Wild Bird Sanctuary and Lone Elk Park. Everyone had a good time and we learned new things, like an owl eats up to sixty mice a day. Please let me know any ideas you have for future outings. Dates will be on our weekly schedule with sign-up sheets at the front desk.

We said goodbye to Joan as she retires and welcomed Pat Tignour. Pat has a background in Art Therapy so look forward to her activities.

We met sixty fifth graders from Westchester Elementary School in Kirkwood who played bingo and had ice cream with us. They will be back on the 13th to perform their talent show. We look forward to seeing them again. We also look forward to the dedication ceremony on June 6th.


Kirkwood, MO		May 2008
A Message from Sr. Mary Joseph, Provincial Supervisor Dear Readers, Praised be Jesus Christ and Happy Mother's Day!! What a beautiful gift God gave us when He invented moms. He knew how special He made them that He chose one for Himself as well . . . and then gave her to us! Join us in honoring Mary, the Mother of God, with our May Crowning on First Saturday (May 3) at 4:30 p.m. Our St. Agnes Home King and Queen will be carrying up the crown and the rest of us will join the procession by bringing in flowers as our expression of love. In a couple of months, our two postulants, Megan and Lesley, begin their novitiate and will no longer be working in the Home. They will receive their religious name and habit on July 1, still aways away. But before that happens, they will go home for a week over Mother's Day. It's one of those indications that the time is getting closer. We will miss them while they are home with their family, but we'll rejoice all the more at their return. Sr. Mary Gabriel will also be going home for a week this month before departing for her year long trek to our Motherhouse in Holland on June 9. Please pray for safe travels for them all. On June 1, Rev. Mother M. Angelina, our Superior General, Sr. M. Benedicta, Vicar General and Sr. M. Edita (Croatian) and Sr. M. Edith (German), both on the General Council, will arrive at St. Agnes Home. It is the first time for Sr. M. Edita and Sr. M. Edith to visit the United States. We will be keeping them busy until June 6 when we have our special celebration. I hope you and your family will all be present for that occasion!!! I will be looking for you there. Our Provincial Superiors from our other North and Central American Provinces will also be present: from Canada, Indiana, Texas and Nicaragua. Make sure to put on your best smiles and give them a warm welcome! And please pray for all your Sisters here that we do our best in hosting them for these special days. You all are wonderful! I love our St. Agnes Home family. Until next month!		Saint of the Month, St. Simon Stock: Little is known about Simon Stock's early life. Simon Stock founded many Carmelite Communities, especially in University towns such as Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, and Bologna, and he helped to change the Carmelites from a hermit Order to one of mendicant friars. In 1254 he was elected Superior-General of his Order at London. Simon Stock's lasting fame came from an apparition he had in Cambridge, England, on July 16, 1251, at a time when the Carmelite Order was being oppressed. In it the Virgin Mary appeared to him holding the brown scapular in one hand. Her words were: "Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire. It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection." The scapular (from the Latin, scapula, meaning "shoulder blade") consists of two pieces of cloth, one worn on the chest, and the other on the back, which were connected by straps or strings passing over the shoulders. His feast day is May 16th.
Activity Update Mary Ann Coco It's Springtime finally though Winter continues to put up a good fight. We enjoyed great weather on our trip to the Wild Bird Sanctuary and Lone Elk Park. Everyone had a good time and we learned new things, like an owl eats up to sixty mice a day. Please let me know any ideas you have for future outings. Dates will be on our weekly schedule with sign-up sheets at the front desk. We said goodbye to Joan as she retires and welcomed Pat Tignour. Pat has a background in Art Therapy so look forward to her activities. We met sixty fifth graders from Westchester Elementary School in Kirkwood who played bingo and had ice cream with us. They will be back on the 13th to perform their talent show. We look forward to seeing them again. We also look forward to the dedication ceremony on June 6th.		Nursing Notes Sandra Browder Proper dental care is very important because diseases in the mouth can lead to serious problems. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause increased risk of heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and chronic mouth pain. Oral pain can lead to deceased appetite, weight loss, and a decline in energy and quality of life. Brush your teeth with a soft bristled brush or power toothbrush. The recommended length of time to brush is 2 minutes (time yourself!) Use short strokes to gently brush the front, back, and top of each tooth. Brush your tongue after brushing your teeth. Floss between the teeth, if possible. Brushing after meals and at bedtime will help keep you healthy, and your smile bright! Based on information printed in Monthly Mini-Lessons, April 2008 GOD BLESS!!
From Our Administrator Dianne Strutynski The following Employees are winners in the Customer Service Prizes: Tammy Carlton - Gift Card Steve Miller - Gift Card Angie Singleton - Gift Card Britney Golden - Gift Card Robert Palmer - Grab Bag Sharon Hektor - Grab Bag Posted on page 8 of the newsletter are all the new channels that we have through our cable agreement. If you do not have all these channels in your room, please notify the front desk and maintenance will address it. The common area T.V. in the Memorial Lounge (previously known as the Memorial Dining Room) has only local channels. When visiting during the week, PLEASE RESPECT THE DAY CARE PARKING SPACES. That is their rightful portion of the campus for their parents and children's safety. We are pleased to announce that we have listened to your feedback and will be creating a closer handicapped ramp at the terrace entrance on the north side. Finally, it is with mixed emotions that I inform you of the retirement of Betty Marko, our Director of Nursing at the end of June. She has a large family with numerous young grandchildren, along with aging parents and has been missing a lot of family time with her long hours, many calls at home and overall responsibilities. And while we want her to be where she needs to be, we will miss her dedication, her compassion for the elderly coupled with clinical skills and will work to replace her with an RN with similar attributes. If you know of a good candidate that you would like to refer, please do not hesitate to do so.		Liturgical Schedule Mass Times Weekdays: 7 AM Saturdays, Sundays & First Friday: 9 AM Rosary Daily before Mass at 6:40 or 8:40 AM Monday - Wednesday: 3:30 PM Thursday & Friday: 4:00 PM Saturday: following the 2 PM movie or 4 PM Adoration Sundays after 9 AM Mass - Benediction follows 4:15 PM Evening Prayer Mondays after Mass - Benediction at 5:45 PM First Fridays after 9 AM Mass - Benediction at 4:45 PM No Adoration on the Sunday following First Friday. Perpetual Help Devotions Tuesdays at 6:30 PM Fatima Devotions First Saturdays at 4:30 PM
Sports with Willie The diamond is the place to be, if you are a Cardinals fan. The Cardinals are predicted to finish at the bottom of their divison. Right now they're at the top, out of first place by 1 1/2 games to the Cubs. Everything is clicking for the Cards with players that aren't recognized. This is catching teams off guard reading up on the Cards and not seeing Pujol, Carpenter, Molina or Glaus. Instead you see Ludwick, Schumaker, Wellemeyer or Kennedy names. You cannot forget about pitcher Adam Wainwright. He's been the ace for the Red Bird giving some gutty performaces. The bats can use a little more pop from Pujols and Glaus. Still they are winning and playing good baseball.	Campaign Corner Pat Dolan, Development Director As the champagne glasses were raised to toast the Warmed By His Love Executive Committee last month, Sister Mary Joseph made the official announcement that the new wing will be named the Sansone Wing in gratitude to Anthony F. Sansone, Sr., his wife Mary Anne and the entire Sansone family for all of the time, talent and treasure that they gave, and continue to give to St. Agnes Home, and specifically the Warmed By His Love Capital Campaign. The new wing can now officially be called the Sansone Wing! The Dedication of the Sansone Wing will take place on Friday June 6th at 2:00 with the Blessing and Dedication and the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. Most Reverend Raymond L. Burke will preside with Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Most Reverend Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop George J. Lucas, and Mother M. Angelina in attendance. It is quite the accomplishment to have these prominent leaders of our Church present for this occasion; it is truly a testament to St. Agnes Home and the wonderful Mission of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. Preparation is in full swing for the 2008 Carmelite Classic to be held on Tuesday July 29th at Whitmoor Country Club. I am so fortunate to have a Classic Committee in place that is assisting me in putting on this event. This talented group of ladies and gentlemen, many with family ties to St. Agnes Home, will meet each third Thursday of the month here at St. Agnes to prepare and execute a plan to make this years Classic the most successful ever. There are many opportunities to support this year's Classic, in fact, I am very pleased to see that support is coming from our own residents and families in various forms. Helen Durban's son Charles, who will be ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Archdiocese of St. Louis this month, will be a tournament sponsor. David Miller, son of former resident Bernadine Miller, donated an item for the auction. Father Sullivan has assured me that, as he did last year with Father Hallemann, he will be a hole sponsor representing The Priests of St. Agnes Home, and Monsignor Wilkerson's nephew, an employee of Anheuser Busch, has confirmed that he has arranged for a beer donation! For more information about either of these events please contact me at (314) 698-5111, or simply stop by the Development Office anytime.
read the continuing story of The Life of Blessed Mother Maria Teresa of St. Joseph By Sister Maris Stella		Mass Intentions -- April 2008 Fr. James Wilke, Chaplain If you would like to have a Mass celebrated for a special intention, please notify the front office. Mass Stipends are $5. 1. St. Joseph the Worker ~ Intentions of the residents, family and staff of St. Agnes Home 2. First Friday ~ For our living and deceased benefactors 3. First Saturday ~ For an Increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life 4. The Ascension of the Lord ~ For the intentions of Sr. M. Regina 5. For the McGarry Family 6. For the Intentions of Sr. Mary Joseph (requested by Jim & Denise Heisler) * 7. Matt Stack and Family* 8. For the Gerry Walker Family 9. God's continued blessing on the building project (requested by Jim & Denise Heisler) 10. For Jimmy Kempe (requested by Helen Durban) 11. Pentecost Sunday ~ Mother's Day ~ Intentions of all of our Mothers 12. For Fr. Schramm, RIP (requested by Rasima Sendic) 13. Our Lady of Fatima ~ For the Intentions of the Sisters 14. Feast of St. Matthias ~ For Audrey Hartnagel (requested by Jane Kannesnberg) 15. For the Intentions of our employees birthdays: JoAnna Eldridge, Sharon Hektor, Judy Colabianchi, Julie Colabianchi, Sharon Neal, Jill Dailey, Pauline Breier, Mary Amara, Ruby Hearold, Aide Ponce, Mary Taylor, Megan Clawson, and Esperanza Boudet 16. For Steve Kalnasi (requested by Helen Durban) 17. For Faithfulness in our apostolate (requested by Jim & Denise Heisler) 18. Trinity Sunday ~ For the intentions of our residents* birthdays: Lola Zurack, Mary Church, Lee Maitz, Steve Gregory, Bill Hanewinkel, Genevieve Neaf, and Francis Nash 19. For our living and deceased benefactors 20. For the canonization of Blessed Mother Maria Teresa of St. Joseph 21. For John Pervan (requested by Helen Durban) 22. For the Intentions of Sr. Mary Joseph 23. For Clara Moore (requested by Joan Bowers) 24. For Charles Chott, RIP, father of Mary Ward (requested by Joan Bowers) 25. Corpus Christi ~ For love and unity in our St. Agnes Community 26. Memorial Day ~ For all of our Veterns 27. Special Intention 28. Special Intention 29. Special Intention 30. The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus ~ Mother M. Angelina and the General Council 31. The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary ~ For the children, families and staff at the Carmelite Child Development Center Mass Intentions -- April 2008 Msgr. Wilkerson 2. Elizabeth McCarthy RIP ~ (requested by Betty Schrum) 15. Special Intention (anonymous request) 3. Sr. Philiberta's Name Day 16. Special Intention (anonymous request) 4. Carlos Rodriguez ~ RIP (requested by Sara Rodriguez) 17. Special Intention (anonymous request) 5. Stanley Strathmann ~ RIP (requested by Sara Rodriguez) 18. Special Intention (anonymous request) 6. For the Bowers Family (requested by Joan Bowers) 19. Special Intention (anonymous request) 7. For the Nursing Staff (requested by Joan Bowers) 24. Special Intention (anonymous request) 8. For Jimmy Kempe (requested by Helen Durban) 25. Special Intention (anonymous request) 9. Special Intention (anonymous request) 26. Special Intention (anonymous request) 10. Special Intention (anonymous request) 27. Special Intention (anonymous request) 11. Special Intention (anonymous request) 28. Special Intention (anonymous request) 12. Special Intention (anonymous request) 29. Special Intention (anonymous request) 13. For Agnes Koenig, RIP 30. Special Intention (anonymous request) 14. Latin Mass 31. Special Intention (anonymous request)

Chaplain's Corner Fr. James Wilke Some things take time and we must wait for them. St. Agnes Home is experiencing many of these. The dreams are slowly becoming a reality. Many of the residents are in updated rooms or in luxury apartments. It brings with it a new feel that may make us feel a little uneasy. It makes us uneasy as those things with which we are familiar have changed. Hopefully, the unfamiliarity will soon end and surroundings will become more comfortable. The old cowbells will soon be a thing of the past. One change that is very exciting for me is that the home now has a definite place where I can celebrate reconciliation with all the residents. The sacrament can be offered at a regular time and in its own place. The wait has been worth the time. The good news continues as the present room is scheduled to be "freshened" as the renovation continues. At the present my hours to be in the office are as follows: CONFESSIONS Tuesday 8 - 8:30 a.m. Thursday 8 - 8:30 a.m. Saturday 8 - 8:30 a.m. OPEN OFFICE Tuesday - 9 - 10 a.m. Wednesday - 9 - 10 a.m. Feel free to stop by any time--even if its just to say hello. Hope to visit with many of you in the new Chaplains's Office.
Doctors in the House Dr. Reh -- Please see your charge nurse. Dr. Rolnick (Podiatrist) -- May 28th. Dr. Black (Dentist) Monday mornings.
St. Agnes Home 10341 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122, (314) 965-7616, (314) 822-3154 FAX Contact Us