Kappa Gamma Pi - The National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society

Sr. Mary Kathleen Glavich, SND, is the author of more than 50 books on religious topics. She will present a program to commemorate the feasts of St. Joseph and the annunciation. This program will be held in the home of Kappa Dolores Christie, and starts with tea at 2pm, followed by the program from 2:30pm to approximately 4pm. For those who are interested, nearby St. Dominic's Church has a Saturday Vigil mass at 5pm.

Please rsvp to Dolores Christie 216-751-5419, or Barb Gustafson at 216-382-8921 or barbgusty@webtv.net.

Other upcoming events- dates and details to be given in the next newsletter!

May: "Women and Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America" exhibit at Maltz Museum

Human Slavery?! February 21, 2010. The Collaborative Initiative to End Human Trafficking has been presenting programs since 2007 to raise awareness on the reality of human trafficking that still exists today. Kappas met at the home of Helen Kope for a brunch and presentation, starting at 1pm. Speakers included Sr. Karen Walsh, HM, JD (Interim Directorm of The Collaborative Initiative to End Human Trafficking) and Kappa Sr. Anne Victory, HM.

Apollo's Fire: Christmas Vespers. December 12, 2009. Cleveland Kappas met at First Baptist Church in Shaker Hts. for a performance by Apollo's Fire, a world renowned baroque orchestra. The orchestra is led by Jeanette Sorrell and performs music of the 17th and 18th century on period instruments. From the Apollo's Fire website: "Jeannette Sorrell’s compilation of music by Michael Praetorius molds these neglected masterpieces in the tradition of a 17th-century Vespers service. The cathedral resounds with the splendor of virtuoso brass, antiphonal choirs, lutes and strings. Children’s voices lead the forces in this haunting and dramatic celebration of the Christ child."

China: Sweet and Sour: November 10, 2009. The evening began with a light supper followed by a presentation by Doris Gibson Simonis, Ph.D., who shared her recent travel experience in China!

Music Meditation: Seasons. Breakfast and presentation by Sr. Janet Moore at Sunnybrook Preserve Lodge in Geauga County! Saturday, September 26, 2009, at 10am The day started with a continental breakfast, followed by a lovely meditative program by Sr. Janet Moore!

Annual Kappa Mass: Cleveland Kappas met for our 4th annual mass and breakfast at Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine on July 12, 2009! The Shrine is an exact replica of the original Shrine in Lourdes, France. After mass and breakfast there was time to visit the gift shop, tour the beautiful grounds, and walk the Stations of the Cross walking path. To read more about Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, click on this link to their website: http://www.srstrinity.com/index_009.htm

Gourmets in the Garden- Cleveland Botanical Gardens! June 10, 2009 at 5:30PM The evening included a cooking demonstration and gardens tours!

Annual Spring Meeting and Induction of New Members: April 30, 2009 at 7pm. The induction was held in the Great Room at Notre Dame College. Our speaker, Joan Blake (NDC 2006), talked about Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, the namesake of our Cornaro scholarship.

Lent Afternoon of Reflection. Cleveland Kappas met on March 15, 2009, from 12:30pm to 4:30pm at the home of one of our local Kappas, Marilyn Bourguignon, for an afternoon of reflection. The theme was Letting God Love Us: The Potter's Joy, led by Dolores Christie!

Frances Burger Noetzel
1919-2008

Fran was a graduate of Notre Dame College, class of 1941, and a long-time supporter of that college both as a member and past president of the Alumni Association, as a generous benefactor, as a member of the college's Board of Trustees. She was also known for her work in liturgy, ecumenism, parish councils, and numerous other church and civic-related activities.

Fran's contributions to Kappa Gamma Pi are legendary. She was elected president of the Cleveland Chapter several times; she served in major offices on the national level that led to her becoming National President in 1963. During her four-year term as National President, Fran established the KGP National Office which was initially located in her own home. This central office consolidated the files and archival records of the organization that had been scattered in members' homes throughout the country.

In 1973, Fran was asked to become a member of an international committee to honor the tercentenary of Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, the first woman to earn a university degree (from the University of Padua, in 1678). Fran worked with that committee for five years; ultimately, through the contributions of people throughout the US and Europe, the Cornaro grave was restored, a carefully-researched biography was published, and the Cornaro was given the honor due her. Because of Fran's participation in this international committee, Kappa Gamma Pi became one of the sponsoring organizations for the tercentenary celebration. In 1980, KGP selected the Cornaro as the namesake for its graduate scholarship.

In the mid-1980s, as a leading past National President of Kappa Gamma Pi, Fran was asked to chair the newly-created Long Range Planning Committee. This group, originally comprised of members of the Cleveland Chapter, was charged with oversight of national Kappa finances and the work of the KGP National Office, plans for future projects and activities, and recommendations for the strength and viability of the organization. The members of the LRP Committee now represent many areas of the country. Fran continued as chair of this group until the mid-1990s.

Fran's thoughtful, caring, but decisive style of leading groups was appreciated by all who worked with her. She will be missed!

Fran and her husband, Justin, had five children and many grandchildren.

The 2005 National Convention was hosted by the Cleveland Chapter and held at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, OH. It was a great success! To read more about the convention, please click here. Thanks to all Cleveland Chapter members who helped out with the convention!

The Cleveland Chapter has committed to supporting Rose-Mary Center, a facility which provides 24/7 care to mentally retarded and multiply handicapped children and young adults. Items needed include sweatshirts, socks, radios, flashlights and batteries. Please bring donations to any of our meetings. To read more about Rose-Mary Center or to look at their wish list, click on the link below: