Sunday May 1, 2022, was a beautiful celebration of supporters and friends coming together on the cusp of Spring and Mother’s Day.  This was the first Tea hosted by the Sisters since the outbreak of the Covid worldwide pandemic in March of 2020.  It was a very ecumenical group, with attendees representing fifteen or more faith communities and organizations from all around the Detroit area, showing support for the dedication of our Nigerian mission.

Arlene Reese, Librarian and Reading Specialist with the Parkman Branch of Detroit Public Library, shared poems and spoke of the serendipity of a community quilting project.  Soon the quilt from that project will be on display there for all who visit the Parkman library.  Sr. Rosemarie thanked her and told her that was the library branch that served her family when she was growing up.

Dolores McHale, a quilter from St. Raymond’s parish, was in attendance for the tea with her two daughters, Mary and Jane (pictured.)  Mrs. McHale has donated quilts to raise funds for the Sister’s mission in Nigeria over the years.

Sr. Rosemarie shared the history of the Sisters Home Visitors, from it’s start in Detroit to the growth of today in Nigeria.  She asked that attendees consider joining our fundraising committee in finding creative ways to continue to generate money for the good works of our Sisters in Nigeria.

Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 8118 from Blessed Sacrament Cathedral have been strong supporters of our Sisters.  They included Howard Witherington, Bishop Young and Gerard Carisse.  In this photo is Sister Elizabeth and Mr. Merton.

In this picture is Samuel Onyene, Bishop Young, Thelma Wilson, Sr. Elizabeth and Mr. Merton.

From Our Lady of Good Council parish and Detroit Catholic Central we had great help from Henry Graves, Kyle Robers and Charles Graves, as student volunteers.

Sister Rosemarie explained about how the funds raised would support the faith formation process for new candidates in the order.  They have three rural schools in Benway state, Nigeria in and around the farming community of the town of Ichama.  Vocational training is also a big need in Nigeria and the Sisters support a sewing training project for women there.

As a gift for attendees, a special musical CD, made by the Nigerian Sisters, was passed around.

Arlene Reese (pictured) shared the poems Human Beings inspired by a local police officer) and Mama’s Treasure Box, in honor of Mother’s Day.

Pictured here is Dorothy Buckman and Thelma Wilson, members of our fundraising committee along with Sr. Barbara.  They wanted to remind everyone that our Gala will be returning once again on Sunday October 9th this year.

Marian Ostrowski (pictured in the colorful vest) has been a volunteer and supporter of the SHVM from her youth.  Marian rode the bus down Woodward as a teenager to accompany the Sisters in their neighborhood work.

Changing people’s lives. One at a time.