The "One Book, One Community" concept encourages Carondelet students, parents, administration, faculty and staff to read the same book and discuss it in a variety of settings. The project is designed to bring the community together by reading and sharing a book that reflects the Philosophy and Mission of Carondelet High School.
Our Book, Our Community
Our 2010-2011 book is Like a Swarm of Bees. Sister Carol Anne O’Marie, a Sister of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, is the author. The book tells the story of six CSJ missionary sisters leaving France and settling in Missouri in the early 1800s. These six were the first of “the swarm of bees’ that became Carondelet High School’s founding order.
Imagine the daring and determination of the first CSJ sisters in America, going forth to a new arduous frontier, with no assurance of success beyond faith. Leaving home, family and friends forever without knowing at all what waits! This story provides glimpses into early frontier America, life as an immigrant and the process of becoming American, and the impact of Catholic institutions on an expanding America. It is a story that interests and inspires.
Sister Carol Anne O’Marie’s own story carries echoes of this determination and inspiration. Sister Carol Anne wrote mystery books – the Sister Mary Helen mysteries. While on promotional book tour for the successful series, she saw homeless women near the hotels in which she was staying and understood the difference between her pleasant hotel rooms and what homeless women had. She saw an injustice and stepped forth to deal with it, with no assurance of success beyond faith. Together with Sister Maureen Lyons, she established A Friendly Place, a daytime drop-in shelter for homeless women in downtown Oakland. This grew into A Friendly Manor and expanded to include transitional housing.
Sister Carol Ann O’Marie was the first development director for Carondelet High School. She is remembered here as a strong women - vivacious, funny and fun, and a wonderful model for “All of Which Woman is Capable”. Sister Carol Anne joined the CSJ community shortly after high school graduation and spent 57 years in service to the dear neighbor. She passed away on May 27, 2009. Like a Swarm of Bees is her last novel.