- January 18, 2019 Mission Advancement
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province honors individuals and/or projects/organizations whose life and service exhibit one or more of the following qualities as expressed in our CSJ Constitution and Mission Statement. The Generosity of Joseph Honor Award publicly acknowledges and celebrates those whose generosity positively influences and contributes to the betterment of society and encourages others by example to practice life altering generosity. Click here for more event details.
BETTY JEAN (BJ) ATKINSON, CSJA
Director of Emergency Assistance, St. Therese Little Flower Church and Pantry
Kansas City, Missouri
Serves all persons without distinction
Promotes justice with a particular concern for the poor
BJ Atkinson is someone that the people of Kansas City, Missouri, will always have in their corner if needed, especially those at St. Therese Little Flower (STLF) Church and Pantry. Often referred to as the “soul of Little Flower Parish,” BJ dedicates her life to reaching out to the poor and serving those in need as director of Emergency Assistance, a STLF ministry. Since June 1995, she has provided emergency assistance to neighborhood residents by helping with utility bills through a Mid America Assistance Coalition (MAAC) grant, and served 100+ families each month at the food pantry.
“She goes out of her way to recognize and defend the human dignity of all, especially when people come to the food pantry,” says Sister Marie Joan Harris, CSJ, who volunteers at STLF.
With her door “always open to anyone,” BJ fills her days with listening to the poor and finding ways to help them. She continues to promote justice with a particular concern for the poor by attending numerous social justice programs and meetings.
BJ’s passion and commitment comes “from the justice of it. There is a need out there, a big need, especially for those in assisted living facilities … who will help them if not the churches?”
In addition to serving the dear Kansas City neighbor, she supports the CSJ community as a CSJ Associate and member of the Holy Family Associate Community. She also carries out the CSJs’ value of caring for creation by encouraging recycling throughout the parish and other programs.
NAN TIEHEN BONE, CSJA
President, St. Teresa's Academy
Kansas City, MO
Enables others to assume a more active responsibility for continuing the mission of Jesus
Recognizes and defends the human dignity of all
At St. Teresa’s Academy (STA), a value learned is that women can change the world for the better. Nan Bone is the epitome of that. As an alumna and president of the institution, she is a “servant leader” who lives out the mission and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph, embraces the dear neighbor without distinction, and empowers women, including the 600+ students at STA.
“She provides a model of forward-thinking leadership for hundreds of women,” says Ann Tierney Prochnow, a fellow STA alumna and member of STA’s Board of Directors.
Throughout her 12-year tenure, Nan’s marveled work ethic has led to numerous accomplishments in support of the CSJs’ mission including: an increase in financial aid available to students; each student completes 90 hours of service to the community prior to graduation; the building of the Windmoor Center, which includes high-tech classrooms, gallery space and a 150-seat Chapel of St. Joseph; a new campus ministry department; STA’s CSJ Leadership Camp to help students discover their untapped leadership abilities; the Passing of the Legacy Ceremony, a way for seniors to welcome the new freshmen; and the top priority for diversity and inclusion initiatives within the current STA strategic plan; and so much more.
“Her commitment to the women of St. Teresa’s is fervent and honest,” says Dr. Elizabeth Baker, principal for student affairs. “Her willingness to work hard and to give so much of herself for the good of every student who has entered and graduated from St. Teresa’s is apparent.”
This spring, Nan’s “decade-long legacy” will come to an end as she will retire from her position following the 2018-19 school year. Though, she will stay at STA to oversee the finishing of the Academy 150 Capital Campaign.
“My wish is that this school can be as great as it is for many years to come,” says Nan. “It has been an honor to serve the STA community as your president.”
Wherever Nan’s future may lead her, it’s evident that she will continue to live out “the qualities of life-altering generosity embodied by the CSJs.”