History of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas is a fascinating insight into the history of one of America's oldest and most respected charitable organizations. The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth have been at the forefront of healthcare and social services for over 150 years, and in this book they provide an in-depth look at their remarkable legacy. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Founded in Indian Territory in 1858, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth met, a century later, challenges of a new frontier in the church's call to adapt to modern circumstances and in their own awareness of deepening social and ecclesial needs. For three decades, sisters struggled with conditions that threatened unity: issues of governance, demands of professional training, diverse backgrounds, differing experience of communal life, developing theology of religious vows. Diminishing numbers coupled with need for leadership led to new institutional roles and new forms of ministry. Emerging Frontiers records the struggle and its outcome. A common past and determination to stay together marked the long search for a renewed common vision. A new century brought re-dedication to a Vincentian heritage and far-flung partnerships in the mission given by Jesus Christ to his people. Commitment to those in need, especially women and children; fidelity to the church; faithful relationship with those of means and good will, and with the earth; transition to sponsorship of institutional ministries, many now administered by lay women and men; solidarity with all who stand for justice and peace: this was the resolution of a renewed Community whose story is told here.

Here are the rules, conferences and writings of these two Vincentian founders who, through service to the poor, left an indelible mark on the church in France in the seventeenth century and beyond to the present. Louise (1591-1660) first came to Vincent (1581-1660) for spiritual direction and they became coworkers and friends for the rest of their lives.

Telling History is a manual for creating well-researched and engaging historical presentations. As museums and other informal learning institutions work to create new and appealing programs, many are turning to dramatic impersonations accompanied by informed discussions to educate their audiences. This book guides the performer through selecting characters, researching and writing scripts, performing for various kinds of audiences, and turning performance into a business. For museums, historic sites, and community organizations, it offers advice on training and funding historical performers, as well as what to expect from professionals who perform at your site.

Mother Catherine Spalding (1793–1858) was the cofounder and first leader of one of the most significant American religious communities for women—the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth near Bardstown, Kentucky. Elected at age nineteen to lead the order, Spalding also founded several educational institutions, Louisville's first private hospital, and the first social service agency for children in Kentucky. Pioneer Spirit is the first biography of Catherine Spalding, a woman who made it her life's work to serve the citizens of the Kentucky frontier. Catherine, who lost her mother at a young age and was raised in many different homes before she was ten years old, eventually came to be raised in a colony of Catholic families. These formative years taught her independence, the value of hard work and an enduring spirit, and the importance of education, all of which would figure prominently in her later career. Spalding became increasingly interested in health care, services for orphans, and education, and her business skills and strong sense of purpose allowed her to achieve her goals with little interference from outsiders. She showed a natural gift for administration, and the scope and services of the Sisters of Charity expanded under her leadership. In the midst of this ministerial work, however, Spalding always maintained the connection of her ministry to spiritual and communal life, ascribing great importance to all three facets of her calling. Author Mary Ellen Doyle notes that in Spalding's correspondence with the Sisters, she repeatedly emphasized the heart of charity: "genuine interest in each other and sisterly affection free of personal ambition or jealousy." By the time of Catherine Spalding's death, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth extended beyond Nazareth to more than one hundred sisters in sixteen convents. Spalding's legacy of service continues today with more than six hundred members worldwide, and her story of progressive and compassionate leadership offers unique insights into the growth of a religious order and the struggles of developing America's frontier communities.