VOLUME 8 • NO. 1 • 2007
Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis
MISSION STATEMENT OF THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS Dedication to Jesus Christ involves us intimately in the liberating and reconciling Gathering Place is published to keep
mission—to make God more deeply known and loved, and in so doing, draw all persons to fuller and freer life.
the public informed of the mission and ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the
Together with all our sisters and brothers who strive for a more just world, we undertake those activities which will promote the material and spiritual development of the human family.
Third Order of St. Francis.
The dialogue begins. This issue of Gathering Place is based on the responses received from the recent mailing of a survey. Jesus asked His disciples “Who do people say that I am?” The survey
EDITOR Reneta E.Webb, Ph.D., CAE
extended that question to ask all of you, who do you say that the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis are? Just as the apostles’ answers helped Jesus clarify His mission, so, too, your
EDITORIAL BOARD Sr. Carolyn Bronk Theresa Kobak Dr. Arlene Lennox Irene McGrane Sr. Jane Zoltek
answers provided insight into the mission and ministry of the congregation. The survey PROOFING STAFF
was sent to the sisters as well. Their responses will provide us with their reflections on that same mission and ministry.Yes, the dialogue begins.
Sr. Mary Adalbert Stal Sr. Dolores Mary Koza Sr. Louise Szerpicki Sr. Judith David
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OFFICE
The icons that appear in this issue of Gathering Place, that is: Christ of Maryknoll (2002), cover & page 6 Christ of the Desert (1990), cover & pages 2 & 9 The Seraphic Christ (2004), cover & page 17 Dance of Creation (2003), cover & page 5 The Good Shepherd (1999), cover & page 15 Sacred Heart (19993), cover & page 7 Tree of Life (1991), cover & page 11 Holy Wisdom (1994), cover & page 18 Quezelcoatl Christ (1992), cover & page 16 are the work of Bro. Robert Lentz, OFM, courtesy of Trinity Stores, www.trinitystores.com. 1-800-699-4482
Public Relations Office P.O. Box 388129 Chicago, IL 60638-8129 Telephone: 1-773-581-7505 Fax: 1-773-581-7545 Web site: www.ssj-tosf.org e-mail: reneta@ssj-tosf.org
Copyright by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, Inc. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
Table of
Contents
VOLUME 8 • NO. 1 • 2007
FEATURES Who Do People Say That I am?
3
How would you introduce Jesus? To know Christ, to live with “anointed” meaning, creates the possibility of spreading this good news to others, a ministry to which we are all called because of our baptism.
Who Do You Say That We Are?
9
The results of the reader survey.
DEPARTMENTS Who Do We Say That We are?
Letter from the President
The results of the sisters’ survey.
1
People Say “Minister” In the News
15
30
19
Sister Mary Ellen Diermeier Given the shortage of priests, there is a call to pastoral ministry.
Sister Madge Karecki Sister Carol Liszka & Eileen Schmidt
People Say “Healer”
21
Sister Linda Szocik (Eva Marie)
Development
36
Given the increase in the number of homeless people without access to healthcare, there is a need for healthcare services.
Obituaries Sister Nolantia Zola Sister Julia Blahowiak
35
People Say “Enabler”
23
Sister Monica Lachcik Given the lack of basic resources, there is a need to develop systems that serve the dignity of each human being.
Sister Regina Swiecichowski Sister Blanche Zawisza
Reader’s Response
Sister Consilia Mroczka
An invitation to dialogue — The Vocation Question
Sister Helen Marie Jankowski
29
Why would young women choose vowed religious life in today’s world? Share your thoughts in 100-200 words.There will be a “Readers’ Response”
Sister Helen Therese Wiraszka
section in the next issue of Gathering Place.
My Friends, When I awoke Easter Sunday, I was silenced with the wonder and beauty of the morning sky, the nesting ducks, the clear quiet waters, and the “close, but not yet� new growth of the grass and trees. I was also amazed that the temperature was colder than on Christmas morning. Our Earth and skies constantly reveal themselves to us in ways that are never quite the same and never completely known even by those of us who have learned how to pause and to see and to hear deeply.We can never know the deepest instincts of our Creator God in all that has been and continues to be revealed in all of creation.We are forever on a path of discovery, a path of mystery. In 1950, I was a small child in a public school setting. I was silenced with the wonder and beauty of the sisters who came to teach us religion in the summers and those who took care of the sick at Marshfield Hospital. As I remember those days, I realize the sisters revealed much to me about themselves, yet they were never completely known to me. I remember their dress, the Latin words, the gestures, the rituals that surrounded holy moments and holy times. Mostly, I know they touched something deep within me that engaged my heart in a way that has never left me, even to this very writing. With the sisters I have known and those I am privileged to know, I am forever on a path of discovery, a path of mystery. I continue to learn how to pause in order to see and to hear deeply that I might briefly glimpse, at any one moment, the deepest instincts of our Creator God who has and continues to be revealed through them. With you, our friends, I also treasure those brief moments when you are working with us, praying for us, remembering us, enjoying us, loving us, walking with us, forgiving us, creating a new world with us. May we celebrate with each other the deepest instincts of our Creator God who chooses to be revealed through us in this brief moment of time that is ours. May we forever be on a path of discovery, a path of mystery. Let us smile when others wonder who we are and what we’re about. Perhaps some day they will pause long enough to see and hear deeply; perhaps we will, too. Your sister,
Jeanne Conzemius, SSJ-TOSF President
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who do people say that I am? How would you introduce Jesus? Really, just imagine it.You are in a room filled with people. Jesus is on His way and you are the one who is to introduce Him to the group.What would you say? Apparently, it would depend on your perception of Him. It would depend on what your relationship has been up to this time. For John the Baptist who had eyes of faith and knew that his cousin was divinely favored, “Behold the Lamb of God!” was very appropriate. For Pontius Pilate, who had a hearsay relationship to Jesus, it was “Behold the man.” Someone like Peter who had a long friendship with Jesus and a day to day relationship with Him, would dare to say “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” What would you say?
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(continued on page 5)
(continued from page 3)
who do people esus’s question — “Who do people say that I am?” —was an interesting one.
J
As reported in the gospel of Mark, He had just multiplied loaves and fishes.
He had just restored the sight of a blind man. And these were two in a long
“Are You then the Son of God?” He said to them, “You rightly say that I am.”
series of miracles He had performed. His public life and preaching of the good news were well underway.
As always, there’s a lesson to be learned from the things Jesus says and does. If any one of us had the same miraculous experiences and the same following of disciples and believers, we’d be feeling pretty good about ourselves, considering all the good we were able to dispense along the way. Jesus is different. He continually discerns the spirit, and shows us how to do that in a community of people. He has friends. He trusts them, frail as they are. But Jesus is convinced that the Holy Spirit of God is at work, not only within Him, but also in every individual. He knows that his Father speaks to Him, not only in the depth of His own spirit, but also in and through people and events. Besides, He really loves
Luke 22:70
the apostles. And so He asks to get a clearer vision of His mission here on earth.
The apostles have heard what people were saying about Jesus.There was something deep, powerful, very different about Him. He spoke with authority. He worked wonders. Could this be John the Baptist come alive again? Could this be the Messiah? Who is this man who works wonders, speaks to the heart? It is Peter who speaks. “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” 5
Vol. 8 No. 1
say that I am? Jesus was not asking for Himself alone. A real exchange changes both.The apostles had to think about what Jesus asked. It had been very stimulating following Jesus and they were beginning to feel empowered. They thought they understood the good news.There was a kingdom growing among them, and they were the insiders! One apostle might have felt that the seat at Jesus’ right hand was destined for him. Another apostle heard a twist in the message of Jesus and wondered why He said, “Repent, and believe the good news.” Another, being a good Jew, wanted Jesus to be the long promised one. And so it was with every personal filter carried by the apostles. Each brought history to his perception. Each brought up a different response to Jesus’ question. It was a teachable
Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus.
moment. “My Father, who is in heaven,” Matt 16:17 opened the eyes of Peter’s mind and he spoke for the twelve. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matt 16:16. That changed the thinking of the other apostles. It was necessary for all of them to say their piece, and in the sharing, new, solid insight was gained for all.
who are you? What answers do you suppose you would get if you posed the question with regard to yourself, “Who do people say that I am?” You would expect different answers from people who know you in different ways. Yet every response is a piece of the truth. Testing one’s being and behavior in the human community
(continued on page 7)
Mark 14:61
who do people say that I am? (continued from page 6)
gives the individual data for consideration. Is there integrity between who you think you are and how people are experiencing you? Occasionally, to paraphrase John 8:32, you will know the truth and the truth will make you mad–or free! But we need to be open to the answers and weigh them in a spirit of discernment.
The human community is not the only place an individual searches for integrity. When these insights are placed before God, how do they look? When they are considered in prayer, do they change in any way? Are they consistent with one’s personal inner life? Do they match with personality and talent? Do the insights
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
build the kingdom of God? We are all called to repent, to re-think, re-imagine possibilities. Then, just as Jesus did with his apostles, we need to share our insights, exchange and change each other.
who are we together? It is possible for a group to have a common identity, just as individuals do. Common values and interests at first draw them together. Then, in turn, as the people spend primary time together, they begin to share more deeply in a common spirit. Recall the description of the early followers of the Way:
“These remained faithful to the teachings of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers...
Matt 11:29
And all who shared the faith owned everything in common; they sold their goods and possessions and distributed the proceeds among themselves according to what each one needed. Each day, with one heart, they regularly went to the Temple but met in their houses for the breaking of the bread.” Acts 2:42, 44-46
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“The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul.” Acts 4:32 The group becomes identified by that spirit. As Tertullian (AD 200) reports, even nonbelievers would remark about the early Christian community, “See how they love one another!” If some outsiders were to see our communities, our social groups, what would they say about them? Who are we together?
The perceptions of the larger human community help to re-focus smaller groups.The exchange between groups provides insight and matter for discernment.What is the perception of the Catholic Church in the human family? What is the image of the Muslim faith within the Catholic
“For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”
Church? What do we perceive the role of the Red Cross to be? What does the human community think about the priesthood? What is the view of vowed women religious in the eyes of the millennial generation? Each answer is a piece of the truth. Each answer provides data for discernment.
We keep the example of Jesus ever before us. He was willing to listen to the revelation of His Father as spoken by his apostles. He affirmed his identity and his mission with the declaration of Peter. He created an opportunity for the apostles to learn more about the good news of the presence of God among us. Each of us is called to follow the example of Jesus — to listen carefully to the revelation of God and to prepare the way for others to do the same.
Luke 22:27
who do you say n January 2007, a survey was sent to a sample of 5,000 people, the purpose of
I
which was to determine the perception of the public regarding the Sisters of
St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. As of March 31, 2007, 429 surveys have been returned, making a response rate of 8.58%.
IL/IN
WI/MN
OH
MI
Other*
Total
Male
24
27
23
12
18
104
Female
96
93
67
34
35
325
120
120
90
46
53
429
TOTAL
*States represented in the “Other” category:
“I am bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Florida
Kentucky Massachusetts Mississippi Missouri New Jersey New Mexico New York
North Carolina North Dakota Oklahoma Pennsylvania Texas Washington West Virginia
The respondents were asked to select all the categories that applied regarding their relationship to the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Therefore, the total count in the following table does not match the number of respondents. It does indicate, however, a sense of the dominant ways in which the respondents had “history” with the sisters, how people were used to relating to the sisters. The numbers cluster in parish and school settings. “Friend” was most often coupled with another category.
It appears that most of the respondents knew the sisters in a parish/school setting. There was a general sense of “happy memories” and anecdotes of one or
John 6:35
the other sister’s positive influence on the respondent’s life.What appears to be missing in the survey are responses from some of the people who are in the world of the sisters’ current ministries. For example, there are no responses from the homeless who receive health care from Sister Linda Szocik at St. Ben’s Clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin or from Sister Sandy Lo Porto at St. Joseph’s House in Cleveland, Ohio. Neither are there surveys from the developmentally disabled residents of Sister Marygrace Puchacz’s East Bay Services in Concord,
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that we are? California, or the residents of Sister Gretchen Clark’s Chiara Home in South Bend, Indiana.There are no responses from the parents of St.Agatha-St.Aloysius School in Cleveland, Ohio, where Sister Sandra Lea Sabo is principal, or from the program participants at Sofia’s Portico in Forte Wayne, Indiana. All this is to say that there are pieces missing.
IL/IN WI/MN
OH
MI
Other
Relative Strength of Relationships
Member of a parish where SSJ-TOSFs serve(d)
40
55
38
25
19
179
Blood relative SSJ-TOSF
29
36
28
12
12
117
Employee
5
3
7
1
2
18
Colleague
6
5
3
2
Friend
34
61
33
15
18
161
Student
54
36
28
20
28
168
Other
17
20
16
6
8
67
16
Other: Associate (16) Parent of a student/wife/husband taught by SSJ-TOSF (6) Nephew of employee Cardinal, ordinary of the Archdiocese Bishop (3) Contributor (5) Patient (2)
Former SSJ-TOSF member (23)
No relationship whatsoever
Ladies Auxiliary, Chicago; St. Joseph Guild, Marymount
Co-worker of another community
Hospital Women’s Guild (4) Inquirer (2) Shared prison ministry
Nurse in the hospital Received help with genealogy Worked at East Bay Services
Newman parish (2)
(continued on page 11)
“I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am he.” John 4:25-26
who do you say that we are? (continued from page 10)
The questions of this 2007 survey were formulated to replicate, as much as possible, a series of questions asked of focus groups held in 1991 regarding the public image of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis.
At that time, there were eight images that surfaced from the focus groups.They indicated that the sisters were: • Aging and disappearing • Changing and diversifying • Providing more subsidiarity, flexibility for the sisters • Insular and closed • Invisible, not recognized as a sister
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• Service oriented, doers • Visionary, prophetic, leaders • Welcoming and caring
Interestingly, the image has not changed dramatically as reflected in the current surveys.
The questions of the 2007 survey were formulated in an open ended way, giving the respondents the opportunity to move in any direction with the answers. When the responses in each category were listed, certain trends or themes began to emerge.The same adjectives and other descriptors were often
John 14:6
repeated and similar concerns were expressed. There was general similarity in the responses from all parts of the country.
Trends and Themes What adjectives would you use to describe the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis as you knew them in the past?
“Great teachers, professional, competent” These phrases were conveyed in a variety of ways. Some wrote anecdotes about particular teachers and schools that made a positive and significant impact on the learner. These comments
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reflect the history of the congregation and its emphasis on teaching excellence. The sisters eagerly responded to the challenge of Pope Pius XII, that they have the same level of professional preparation as lay counterparts in the professions. “Dedicated, devoted, hard-working” are words that are a testament to the singularity of purpose in the field of Catholic education.That same quality then applied to healthcare, and to the missionary activity of the early 1960s. One can see why the words “caring and compassionate” were used so often. The dedication and care of the sisters apparently sprang from a deep spiritual life. Words such as “religious, pious, prayerful” prefaced statements about their being “role models and good examples of Christian life.” There was a sense of trust in the faith foundation and Gospel witness of the sisters that gave the Christian community spiritual bearings.
What adjectives would you use to describe the Sisters of St. Joseph of
“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep... whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.”
the Third Order of St. Francis as you know them now?
Something changed over that last several decades.The sisters are still described as “loving and caring, friendly and hospitable,” but there is far less contact with the sisters now. In every part of the country, phrases such as “firsthand information is limited to newsletters” or “I don’t have contact with the sisters anymore” or “since the school closed, I don’t see the sisters” were quite common in the surveys. One reason stated for the lack of visibility was “aging, retired, dying.” The congregation was viewed as fading out, going away. Another reason for the lack of visibility is the lack of visibility, that is, no distinguishing indication that the sister is a sister. So even if people see the sister, they are not aware of it. Yet another reason for lack of visibility is the diversified ministries in the congregation.There is no visible unified effort that identifies the congregation. In a number of responses, the sisters were viewed as “forward thinking, prophetic, risktakers, persevering, persistent, dedicated, committed, spiritually grounded, prayerful and caring.” Even in what seems to be diminishment, there is a sense of hope.
(continued on page 13)
John 10:7 & 9
who do you say that we are? (continued from page 12)
What is the greatest strength of the SSJ-TOSFs? A large number of responses spoke of “faith, spirituality and prayer, Gospel living and fidelity to Christ.” There is a recognition and acceptance of the fact that the work of the sisters is not the life of the sisters.The witness of their lives in Christ, in vows, in prayer, and in community is what the respondents see and are seeking. This is the greatest service that any religious congregation can offer. Beyond that, the service offered in ministry was noted as necessary to the Church and all God’s people.
A large number of respondents noted qualities such as persistence, resilience, steadfastness, risk-taking, perseverance. They noted a distinct ability to overcome
“I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
obstacles and pursue a goal to achievement.
What concerns, issues do you have about the SSJ-TOSFs? Far and away, the greatest concern was for vocations. It was stated in many different ways: lack of vocations, declining numbers, no young women entering the congregation, there are too few. This was closely related to another pervasive theme, the survival of the community. “What’s going to happen when they’re gone?” “Will they continue to exist?” “Who will replace them?”
The perception of the congregation as aging and becoming more infirm brought a number of concerns about how the older sisters would be cared for. Closely connected to this idea was the concern about financial resources for such care.
John 8:12
In a good number of responses, there was approving reference to the building projects that are taking place in the congregational homes.
That the sisters have a clear, compelling, corporate commitment was a great concern/issue. This was stated from two different perspectives. The first referred to lifestyle, the choice to live in community. Living singly or in small “splinter” groups did not appear to be a witness to community living and vowed sisterhood. “Community life seems inadequately defined.” The second perspective referred to unity of purpose, “unity among themselves.” “Losing their identity”
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was related to the sisters pursuing their own ministries with no apparent unifying commitment. As one of the respondent stated, “That the community find a focus.”
Public witness and visible presence drew another cluster of responses. In today’s world, there is a need for a public reminder that commitment to God is possible and positive. Sisters can be such prophets. Further, the respondent’s perception is that when the sisters blended in, they faded away.There is a desire for some external designation that the sister has made the lifestyle choice of community living. Suggestions ranged from a return to a full religious habit to wearing a community symbol of some sort. Just as people in other lifestyles and
“I am the vine: you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
other professions are designated by a symbol or a piece of clothing, those who have chosen the vowed community life might consider the same.
John 15:5 What are your hopes, dreams for the future of the SSJ-TOSFs? Some of the same themes appeared in the hopes and dreams as in the concerns and issues. The desire for a greater number of vocations led the way. “Continued growth,” “an increase in numbers,” “growth as a congregation” are some of the ways in which this hope was expressed. It was clear that the increase in numbers was not just for the sake of numbers. The fulfillment of the mission of the congregation was strongly expressed in the responses.That the sisters provide a “clear witness to radical discipleship,” “that they will spread God’s word,” “that they will continue to be faithful and creative women responsive to the needs of the minores” — these and more were stated as blessings on the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. It was an overwhelming desire that the sisters provide a spiritual “anchor” in a world that is seeking divine meaning.The respondents overall were confident that the SSJ-TOSFs could and would continue making God more deeply known and loved and in so doing bring all persons to fuller and freer lives.
who do we say he survey was sent to 351 Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St.
T
Francis. 114 sisters responded for a return rate of 32.5%. They are all
vowed members of the congregation. The sisters were asked the same questions as the general survey. Acknowledging the current realities, the responses reflected a great sense of hope and confidence in the future of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Kenneth Briggs, in his book Double Crossed, states that “In 1850, at the outset of the huge migration of Irish and other European Catholics to U.S. shores, a tiny contingent of 1,344 nuns belonged to nineteen orders in all of America.” (p. 2) The population of the United States at that time was 17,502,545 (slave and
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
free). The ratio of sisters to the population was one sister for every 17,857 people. The Official Catholic Directory 2006 reports 67,773 vowed religious sisters in the United States. On October 17, 2006, the population of the United States reached 300,000,000. That makes one sister for every 4,426 people. Everything the sisters were able to accomplish for God, and for the material and spiritual development of the human family in the United States during the last 160 years, through the challenges of immigration, technological growth, wars, epidemics, financial crises, scientific advancement, and related history, did not depend on numbers. It depended on the spirit and vitality—the Giver of Life—surging through human beings.
John 10:11
God is the source of hope for the SSJ-TOSFs. The sisters’ responses to the survey were collated in the same way as the general survey.Answers for each question were listed and examined for trends and themes which, again, emerged in each category. What adjectives would you use to describe the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis as you knew them in the past? “Dedicated, hard working, professional, competent” were adjectives consistent with the results of the general survey. There was an emphasis on the common ministry, specifically in education and healthcare, with phrases such as “a group with a purpose,” “ministered together,” “unified in their mission,” and “mission minded.” The sisters described their sisters as “joyful, loving, generous, warm,
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that we are? hospitable” as they carried out this common mission. They also knew them as young, energetic, and spirited. There was also a recollection of the law-governed life. “Apart from the world, recognizable, legalistic, daily horarium, seniority, obedient, conservative, traditional” were adjectives that elaborated the regulated life of the sisters. One of the most frequently stated words was “prayerful.” The prayer life of the sisters in common—the Eucharist, the community prayers and the Office —has always been the source of their energy and spirit. What adjectives would you use to describe the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis as you know them now? The sisters are keenly aware of the changes that have taken place over the second half of the history of the congregation. One major change took place in response to the Church’s call for religious congregations to rediscover their charism, the original “fire in the belly” that drew them together in the first place. The sisters now know themselves as Franciscan. While that Franciscan spirit was never absent, it is now more conscious, more named. It burns into their prayer
“Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
life,“relational, spiritual, reflective,” they call it.The spirit of St. Francis—“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” — influences the focus of ministry. Words such as “open, committed to ministry defined by society’s needs and common concerns, social justice, committed to the poor” were used to describe the direction of ministry. St. Francis never required of his brothers and sisters to engage in a common ministry. Rather, he centered their lives on the Gospel, the good news of Jesus. Further,“Christ also revealed to blessed Francis the greeting which the brothers were to use and which he recorded in his testament: ‘God revealed a form of greeting to me, telling me that we should say, “May the Lord give you peace!’” (Legend of Perugia, #67) The good news of Jesus and the spirit of peace are the fire of SSJ-TOSF ministry. The reality of an aging community did not escape the sisters. They stated that they were “aging, less healthy, and slowing down.” As a result, the membership of the congregation has been steadily decreasing.At the same time, another theme stated that the sisters are “women of vision, resourceful, risk-takers, audacious, hearts burning for mission.” There is a sense that increasing age and declining numbers are the painful road to resurrection. The sisters are “hopeful, on a journey, discerning the will of God.” (continued on page 17)
Matthew 28:20
who do we say that we are? (continued from page 16)
What is the greatest strength of the SSJ-TOSFs? The undaunted hope of the sisters seems to flow from a “willingness to tackle difficult situations, accept challenges.” This is the history of the congregation repeated. The foundresses, Mother Mary Clara Bialkowski and Mother Mary Felicia Jaskulski began the congregation with little certainty and no financial resources. Everything was a gift, even the land for the St. Joseph Convent and Academy in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. They worked hard and were good stewards of the gifts.They moved ahead, even when things were tough. Interestingly, the sisters used words such as “endurance, perseverance, resilience, determination” to describe the strengths of the congregation.They witness that the sisters, even today, are willing to “pioneer, start anew, establish what is needed.” Being faithful to
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.”
the Franciscan roots of the congregation, they are committed, in whatever evolves for vowed religious life, to serve the poor. What concerns and issues do you have about the SSJ-TOSFs? The sisters share the same concern as the respondents of the general survey — vocations.The ministries of the sisters have moved to service of the poor, spiritual and pastoral needs, and the just distribution of the gifts of the earth.The interface with women inquiring about vowed religious life is no longer the classroom, but more the other ministries of the sisters and the internet.Young women of 2007, being born in the mid 1980s, have an entirely different history with vowed religious life. All this is requiring a different “marketing” strategy. The urgency of the vocation issue is magnified all the more in light of the aging membership. The sisters have a concern, not so much about their survival, but
John 11:25
about the effect of aging on ministry. In the past it was possible to have a larger group of sisters in a single location all dedicated to the same work. As the number of sisters gets smaller, and the field of ministry remains the same or increases, the ratio dictates that sisters labor singly or in small numbers.This has created a concern about “community, cohesiveness, and common mission.” There are questions about how sisters relate to one another, how they “gather.” Being separated from one another creates the experience of dissipating goals. Perhaps it is time to draw their energies together, gather their financial and human resources around a “clear, dynamic and compelling vision statement; taking a stand as a congregation for non-negotiable Gospel values.”
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Prayer forms have changed. The descriptors of the sisters about themselves changed from “prayerful” to “spiritual.” The sense of the phrases seem to indicate an extension of prayer into one’s lived life. For example,“women of prayer, vision and courage,” “seeing God in all people,” “the revelation of God in the world,” “our ability to pray, meet and celebrate together,” “faith in the provident God,” and “followers of the Gospel values of Jesus.” It is not just the saying of prayers, but praying in order to become a prayerful presence in the world. Some of the concern about this issue was that work is beginning to encroach on prayer. Prayer is the life-source of meaningful ministry and a prayerful presence in the world. What are your hopes and dreams for the future of the SSJ-TOSFs? There are four clear strands of hope that the sisters hold deeply. The first is that they “truly live a Franciscan way of life, live the Gospel, become prayer, and rebuild the Church of Jesus.” The congregation follows the Rule and Life of the Brothers and Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis, as it had from its very founding. It was officially aggregated into the Franciscan family on October 14, 1905. It was not until 1945 that the name of the Sisters of St. Joseph further included “of the Third Order of St. Francis.” In 1983 the Franciscan brothers and sisters published a comprehensive text of the Rule that spurred within the SSJ-TOSFs a renewed focus on the Franciscan life and spirit. From this came an assertion
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.
to “continue to serve the poor of the world, those poor in mind, spirit and love,” the sisters’ second strand of hope. In order to do this authentically, the sisters hope to be “women of prayer, committed to a deeper religious spiritual life.” Grounded in God, in prayer, and in the Franciscan way of life, the sisters hope to be a living invitation into a meaningful, holy, vowed life.
Acts 9:5
PEOPLE SAY
MINISTER
~ Sister Mary Ellen Diermeier ~ he handwritten note from the Chair of the Education
T
Committee said, “Our Pastoral Associate, Sister Mary
Ellen Diermeier, is an excellent leader, and we want to show our appreciation ...” Even a brief visit to St. Ladislaus Parish in Bevent, Wisconsin, would verify the truth of that statement. Sr. Mary Ellen is essential to the life of St. Ladislaus Parish. The church does not have a resident priest, a situation which is duplicating itself in many areas of the country. Many of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis are finding that a “fitting response” in today’s church is to provide for the ongoing spiritual needs of God’s people. Pastoral ministry in all the variety of forms —parish pastoral ministry, hospital chaplaincy, Eucharistic minister for the homebound, music ministry, and the like—is now the dominant ministry of the SSJ-TOSFs. At St. Ladislaus, Sunday Masses are presided by a priest from the neighboring St. Joseph Parish in Galloway,Wisconsin. So, on a day to day basis, Sr. Mary Ellen conducts the Communion services, wake services, RCIA program, baptismal preparation, home visits to the sick and homebound, and religion classes for the children. She trains and schedules the acolytes, makes sure things are in readiness for Mass. She works with volunteers for various parish activities, and leads prayer services such as the rosary or the Way of the Cross. She also assists in some of the religious education programs at St. Joseph Parish. What is obvious in all these responsibilities is the love with which she does them. Every person is important. Every person deserves her attention. Every person is loved.
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The role of pastoral associate is not entirely new. Many churches have religious and lay staff with a variety of titles. In the case of St. Ladislaus Church, Sr. Mary Ellen is not only on staff, she is the administrator of the parish, assigned by the diocese. It was an interesting path that led to Bevent. Sr. Mary Ellen was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and attended St. Joseph Grade School in Appleton as did her younger brother and sister. Mary Ellen went on to Caroline Academy in Mequon, Wisconsin, then to the University of Wisconsin pursuing a degree in elementary education. A few months before she graduated, she entered the congregation and received her college degree as a postulant, May 16, 1976. She entered the novitiate on September 8, 1976, and after two years of novitiate, began teaching at Arcadia Catholic School in Arcadia, Wisconsin. She also taught for a year at St. Louis School in Dorchester, Wisconsin, before she came to St. Peter Parish in Stevens Point in 1981. It was a turning point in her ministry. She was invited to become the Director of Religious Education at St. Peter Parish, as well as assuming the responsibility of ministry to the elderly. So from 1986 to 1990, Sr. Mary Ellen focused on pastoral ministry, a preparation for her current position. It was in 1990 that Sr. Mary Ellen went to St. Ladislaus Parish. For seventeen years, she has ministered to the spiritual needs of the people of central Wisconsin. “To make God more deeply known and loved, and in so doing, bring all persons to fuller and freer life.�
PEOPLE SAY
HEALER
~ Sister Linda Szocik ~ omelessness is a problem in the United States. As the
H
gap between the rich and the poor widens, the prob-
lem becomes more acute. Homelessness bears with it the lack of basic resources — food, shelter, clothing, health care, positive social contact.These needs call for a fitting response such as the one by Sister Linda Szocik. Sr. Linda provides health care for the homeless. She works out of two locations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first is St. Ben’s Clinic. It was founded in 1980 by St. Anthony Hospital, and sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital since 1989. The mission of St. Ben’s Clinic is to provide health services with an understanding of the special challenges, strengths, and needs of each homeless person and those at risk for homelessness, especially the chemically dependent and mentally ill. It is staffed by physicians from the sponsoring hospital, employees and community volunteers. There is a meal program offered along with healthcare opportunities, and social work contacts. The second location where Sr. Linda ministers is the Cathedral Center in Milwaukee. Cathedral Sister Linda discusses the medical
Center is housed in what used services of St. Ben’s clinic with to be the convent of the Carol Sejda, the clinic manager and Cathedral of St. John the nurse practitioner at St. Ben’s. Baptist. It began as a collaborative effort between the Cathedral, the American Red Cross, the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, St. Ben’s Clinic, Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee County Human Services Department of the Adult Services Division. In the first year of operation, over 1,000 individuals found shelter at Cathedral Center. Five times that number sought the services of the various agencies located at Cathedral Center. Sr. Linda with Donna Rongholt-Migan, director of the Cathedral Center 21
“I have always wanted to provide healthcare for those who are in most need of it,” said Sr. Linda. That must have been the guiding spirit throughout her life which started in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Vol. 8 No. 1
At St. Ben’s clinic with social worker Bill Holluley
She and her five siblings, two brothers and three sisters,received a solid academic foundation from the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis at St.Thomas School. She entered the congregation on August 28, 1960, and was invested on August 10, 1964. She spent several years in Milwaukee completing her BSN. With that background, she went to St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she enjoyed bedside nursing. She continued her practice at St. Joseph Home and Hospital in River Falls, Wisconsin, before going to work with Sister Sally Dulak in Ash County and Allegheny County in North Carolina and Virginia. Sr. Linda had earned her credentials as a family nurse practitioner so she was able to provide more services as a health care provider in addition to her social work and spiritual guidance and counseling. In 1986, she accepted the responsibilities of Provincial Administration for the St. Joseph Province in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, for a four year term. She returned to Appalachia for another two years and earned her credentials as a Nurse Midwife. In 1992, Sr. Linda was elected President of the congregation and served for a six year term. In 1998, she became a staff member of Springbank Retreat House in Kingstree, South Carolina, a center for eco-spirituality and the arts. She also continued as family nurse practitioner at the Dillon Family Medicine center in Dillon, South Carolina. “I needed to respond more deeply in an area of the country where people’s healthcare and ‘soul care’ weren’t being served,” said Sr. Linda. She found it right in the heart of Milwaukee,Wisconsin. She began her ministry at St.
The Szocik Family: Sister Linda, Robert, Parents Irene and John, Carolyn, Catherine Funk, Mark, Irene Koster
Ben’s Clinic for the Homeless in 1999. Sr. Linda has a wall hanging with a message that summarizes the spirit of her ministry. It’s called “Guardians.”
“I swear I will not dishonor my soul with hatred, but offer myself humbly as a guardian of nature, as a healer of misery, as a messenger of wonder, as an architect of peace.”
“This text is being fulfilled today, even while you are listening.”—Luke 4:21
As Jesus said,
PEOPLE SAY
ENABLER
~ Sister Monica Lachcik ~ “The Kingdom of heaven is like the yeast a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour ‘til it was leavened all the way through.” — Matthew 13:33
his is the way the kingdom of heaven is working in
T
Tahuantinsuyo, Lima, Peru.The Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third
Order of St. Francis have been in that area of the world since 1964. Everything they do in their ministry is to enable the people in “the material and spiritual development of the human family.” The school at Our Lady of the Rosary parish was established in 1963, the year before five Sisters: Dulcia Wanat, Clement Mehler and Celine Koszarek,Angela Johnson and Ruth Huesing—arrived in Tahuantinsuyo with few resources of their own.They were committed to address the pressing need for literacy, first of the children, then that of the adults. With a quick increase in school enrollment to over 600 children, the sisters assumed the role of spiritual mothers, guides, and friends for the teachers and the students. They set about gathering resources for the school, settling into a convent, and establishing lasting relationships with the people. Our Lady of the Rosary School was the first and main focus of the early ministry. In 1969, because of the extreme poverty and the inability of many families to afford Catholic education, Sisters Clement and Angela saw the need to begin a new ministry.They trained some of the lay
Tahuantinsuyo, Lima Peru, 1964 23
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teachers to handle the school administration and they began walking through the poorest barrios listening to the people’s needs and
Catechists pray with children
to their own hearts. As a result they began uniting with women’s groups to reflect on the Gospel and to accompany them as they worked for water, electricity and other services—services which, in Peru, take a lot of time and paperwork to obtain. In response to the SSJ call to Peru for missionaries, Sisters Monica Lachcik and Rose (Josephine) Espinos arrived in Tahuantinsuyo in 1972. Both sisters had the usual difficulties adjusting to the language and a different culture. The best way to overcome both obstacles? Dive right in. They spent hours each day walking dusty
A procession in honor of Mary
paths, absorbing sights, sounds, and smells within the expanding mountainous barrio of about 60,000 very poor families. Books don’t teach what these sisters learned in this way of insertion.Within two years Sisters Monica and Rose alone were forming their own trails as SSJ-TOSF presence in Peru. After six years, Sr. Rose returned stateside, while Sr. Monica accepted the challenge of continuing as the only SSJ missionary in Peru. Her ministry focused on women’s needs for self respect, helping them to find confidence, redirecting their energies to improve themselves and the lives of their families. So women’s groups were formed and they found strength in numbers. The greatest need for food was approached through a simple women’s cooperative bakery. With Sr. Monica’s encouragement, the women learned skills while providing bread for their families and contributing to the betterment of the barrio. This win-win situation has been captured in the Columban Father’s video BREAD FOR THE BARRIO, “starring Sr. Monica.” (continued on page 25) Christmas celebration where each church group brought a lighted lantern to the manger scene.
Sr. Monica Lachcik and Sr. Catherine Kieliszewski buy flowers for the church
(continued from page 24)
PEOPLE SAY
ENABLER
Sr. Rose (Josephine) Espinos
Marisa and Isabel, who were the first Peruvian associates, accompanied Sr. Monica in friendship and also in the organizational
Sr. Jane Blabolil practices the songs for the liturgy with the music group.
phase of the catechetical programs. These two women joined with Sr. Monica in spirit and ministry. As of now, there are eighteen more women and men who have become SSJ-TOSF associates, and who share the prayer life and pastoral, social mission of the sisters. Religious education programs flourished as parents were guided to prepare their children for the sacraments in Family Catechesis, and catechists provided mini celebrations with the children. Married couples received formation to work together to provide marriage preparation and also to give advice to couples experiencing difficulties. It is a priority of the sisters to prepare lay leaders so they would be enabled to minister to the people of God.The sisters were active in the parish, Our Lady of the Rosary, and served over the years in whatever way they were able, such as planning public prayer services and celebrations for the people to mark special occasions. Sr. Monica has guided a number of construction projects, as well as the procurement of other facilities. Very early in her ministry in Peru, she became aware that the children needed a place to study. Often when they were dismissed from school, the students went back to homes that did not have electricity. The children did not have the luxury of textbooks from which to study. From this situa-
Associate Isabel Requejo de Paz helping to organize Caminata por la paz y la reconcilliacion, tying knots in the Quipu, each knot signifying one of the 70,000 people killed in the years 1980 to 2000 by the Shining Path.
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tion was born the library in the sisters’ home which is now in existence 27 years. It used to be an open courtyard but with a roof, it turned out to be a wonderful space for tables and chairs and books.There is now another library in a second location where the children are encouraged to read and study. Because of the lack of water and poor hygienic conditions, there was an apparent need for a health center. So for ten years the ladies groups struggled to construct a Medical Center in the top zone (higher up the mountain). With the help of the congregation and some dedicated friends, the Medical Center was established. In 1984, Sr. Jane Blabolil, then a novice, came to Peru for a three month apostolic experience and fell in love with the people and their country. After her novitiate, Sr. Jane spent a year as a staff member of the 8th Day Center for Peace and Justice in Chicago, Illinois. In 1986, she joined Sr. Monica and helped to establish a Youth Pastoral in the parish and in the diocese. She organized Liturgical groups, and both she and Sr. Monica witnessed
Sr. Jane Blabolil
to a presence of hope during the intense period of the terrorist violence in Peru.With her enthusiasm and energy, Sr. Jane labored to set up two pharmacies to provide for the physical and medical needs of the people. In recent years, Sr. Jane has shifted her ministry (continued on page 27)
Sr. Monica in a soup kitchen
(continued from page 26)
PEOPLE SAY
ENABLER Sr. Monica listening to a speaker at the dedication of the kerosene station
to full time spiritual direction and retreat work with other religious communities. She is currently “on leave” in the U.S. to care for her 92 year old mother. Two SSJ-TOSF Associates, Santosa and Genaro Santiago, had a dream to serve the Senior Citizens because both had elderly parents living.They began meeting as a group in their home with the help of Sister Jane, who accompanied them for twelve years. With the passage of time, three senior citizens who were in need of housing came to Santosa and Genaro, and they were welcomed into their home. Santosa and Genaro consulted the sisters about finding a home for the elderly. With the sisters “YES” to the venture, a generous donation miraculously came from Joseph Jankowski, the brother of SSJ-TOSF Sr. Helen Jankowski. A two story house was bought and refurbished to
The opening of the kerosene station
provide housing for the three senior citizens, while at the same time providing a gathering place where seniors could meet weekly.
Sr. Catherine Kieliszewski
Trimming the noodles Preparing noodle dough
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For the past six years, Sr. Catherine Kieliszewski has put her enthusiasm and creative energies into providing services for over 120 members in the Casa de San Jose— Adulto Mayor. The aim is health of mind, body and spirit. Prayer, Bible study, liturgical celebrations; games, handicrafts, fiestas and field trips; exercises like Tai Chi, folkloric dancing, aerobics, massage, professional talks, and services are important and happy experiences.
Sr. Monica has been the ongoing presence in Tahuantinsuyo for the last 35 years with other SSJ´s and associates. She
Through the years, there have been over forty soup
feels she could not accomplish any of these things alone. In
kitchens supporting family life by providing the nutritional
the year 2000, Srs. Josephine Espinos and Catherine
needs of the people.These volunteer ventures depend on the
Kieliszewski joined Srs. Monica and Jane in the
generosity of the local people and on contributions to the
Tahuantinsuyo mission. Sr. Josephine dedicates herself to
mission activity of the SSJ-TOSF´s. All the soup kitchens
the catechetical and youth programs in the parish while Sr.
used kerosene burners for cooking. Because of the need
Catherine serves the needs of the elderly and lends a help-
for kerosene, the women, with Sr. Monica’s help, established
ing hand where it is needed.
a kerosene station supported by a grant from Canada. In addition to the three Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Later the bakery was taken over by disgruntled neighbors,
Order of St. Francis, who serve with Sr. Monica, there are
but the ladies together with Sr. Monica did not loose hope.
countless volunteers; people of deep faith, who leave last-
Though corruption caused the bakery’s loss, the ladies
ing footprints in the sands of Tahuantinsuyo.At the core of
continued baking bread in another home. In this they were
these volunteers are the SSJ-TOSF Associates, namely:
successful and in recent years have won recognition for
Amanda Malque, Rosario Aliaga de Requejo, Hernán
their top quality bread.
Cabeza, Lida Lucas de Cabeza, Armando Cabanillas, Zenaida Alvitrez de Cabanillas, Rufina Escalante, Sorayda
The Ministry of Agriculture donated two noodle making
Gutierrez, Debi Maita, Franz Paz, Isabel Requejo de Paz,
machines to the women’s group. Our ladies were the first
Ricarda Quispe, Delia Reyes, Pilar Reyes, Genaro Santiago,
to organize a noodle factory called Las Ñustas–(“The
Santosa Tucto de Santiago, Jose Agusto Suarez, Lilia Turiate
Women” in Quechua language). In the top zone of
de Suarez, Nila Tomasto de Paico and Marisa Gutierrez de
Tahuantinsuyo, they manufacture and package egg, spinach
La Coursierre.
and sweet pepper noodles which store well and are a basic source of nutrition for the people.They were featured on
For 44 years our Franciscan family has been rooted in
five television stations, and recently received a plaque hon-
Tahuantinsuyo. The Sisters along with the Associates con-
oring their efforts and creativity in providing another
tinue to be the prophetic voices echoing in the Andean
means of nutrition for the people.
foothills of Peru.
Readers’ Response This page is for you.
This new feature of Gathering Place is a place to gather in the responses of the readers to the theme of the issue. For example, as a result of the Survey, we came to realize that the issue of vocations to the vowed religious life is of keen concern for you. We’d like to explore that a little more. If we could determine why a young woman would choose this lifestyle, it would help us in encouraging that choice. Just think of it, the women who are in their twenty’s today were born in the mid 1980s. They have no “history” with a pre-Vatican II church, no recollection of sisters in Catholic schools, no experience of a world without computers. So,
There will be a “Readers’ Response”
why would young women choose vowed religious life in today’s world?
section in the next issue of Gathering Place featuring your insights.
Share your thoughts in 100-200 words, and send them to: Reneta Webb, Editor Gathering Place P.O. Box 388129 Chicago, IL 60638-8129 or e-mail your response to: reneta@ssj-tosf.org
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HEWERS OF WOOD
AND HAULERS OF WATER Sister Madge Karecki participated in a public lecture sponsored by the Center for the Study of Contemporary Ethics of the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, on March 15, 2007. The lecture “After Tragedy, Then What?” addressed the aftermath of the carnage in Rwanda and South Africa. Diljeet Singh, MD, DrPH, spoke about “Women’s Equity in Access to Care and Treatment,” specifically in Rwanda. Sr. Madge, doctor of Theology and professor, University of South Africa, focused on her experience of twenty-one years in South Africa. During that time, she saw first hand the devastating effect of apartheid on the self-esteem and confidence of people of color, “a genocide of the human spirit,” she called it.“These laws relegated Black people to the most menial jobs,” she continued,“because, in the words of the late Hendrik Verwoerd, Black people were made to be ‘hewers of wood and haulers of water.’” Sr. Madge described the social structures in South Africa that perpetuated the separation of classes of people and generated mistrust and suspicion. Women of color bore the scars of apartheid. Sr. Madge’s response was participation in establishing the Kopanang Women’s Project. In Sr. Madge’s words, “Kopanang is about skills training, personal development and education, but it is much more. Our
(continued on page 31)
HEWERS OF WOOD AND HAULERS OF WATER
(continued from page 30)
work has been and is about relationships. It is about wonder and creativity in the midst of struggle and poverty, the sharing of stories and differing cultural identities, building understanding between each other. Lack of human rights or values, within a context of voicelessness, depression and lethargy, unemployment and diminishment are countered by human resource development and support. “Less than seven years ago, these pioneer women did not believe in themselves, nor did they expect too much from life, just the merest scrapings to feed their children if they were lucky, often to the neglect of themselves. Now, through their endeavors and their own experience of transformation, they believe in themselves and in a better life. “My initial contribution was to offer leadership training for the women. This turned out to be a wonderful experience and the women soon asked to begin a reflection group so that they could process the experience of their struggles to lead in transformative ways. I worked with a Dominican sister who was very creative and taught the women papermaking and embroidery.We both provided classes in accounting, business skills and even driving classes. “Kopanang products now find a home in the United States, Germany, Ireland, England, Holland, Belgium and Australia. In November 2002, two members traveled to San Francisco to install an incredible body of work measuring over 35 meters long, depicting the story of the universe and evolution (Universe Canticle).The Kopanang Women have recently received a major commission to provide thirteen large wall hangings for Oprah Winfrey’s new school for girls opened in January of this year. Such is the ripple effect of a small group who, through their creativity, defy boundaries and despair.They have extended the diversity of their product range to include African quilted products. We have introduced bead training, and members are now creating beautiful beaded jewelry and homeware.The embroidery group has had commissions to create church cloths and banners in Australia, major wall hangings for corporate institutions (e.g. Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, New Jersey), and recently provided a banner for the Catholic Theological Society of America’s 60th Anniversary Conference.
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“Besides other aspects of development, one of Kopanang’s primary objectives is to provide loving support to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.To this end, each member contributes in some way to dealing with this issue, either in her family or in her close neighborhood. Each year the group gathers for an HIV/AIDS educational workshop.The leadership workshops have continued, as have the ones devoted to communication skills. The Kopanang women mentor new members, and the circle grows ever wider.With gratitude, the Kopanang women now sing out Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika!”
2007
Peacemakers of the Year Sister Carol Liszka and Associate Eileen Schmidt will be honored as the congregation’s 2007 Peacemakers of the Year at the 2007 Annual Franciscan Conference, scheduled from July 9-12, 2007, at the Marriott in Center City, Minneapolis, Minnesota.The theme of the conference is “Care of Creation, Care of One Another.”
SR. CAROL LISZKA
EILEEN SCHMIDT
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The choice of these two women came easily given their dedication to right relationships with the earth and with others. They joined their efforts for fifteen years (1986-2001) as staff members of Ain Karim,“a place of watchfulness and resource for the vineyard,” located just west of Gettysburg in Fairfield, Pennsylvania.The old Pennsylvania farmhouse was surrounded by 185 acres of field, pasture, woodlands, streams, flower gardens, and had some small farm animals.The ministry of Ain Karim was an outreach to sisters who were endangered by burnout from the intensity of ministry.The surroundings provided rest and renewal, as well as education for personal growth. By providing an atmosphere of right relationships with others and with the earth, the residents were invited to re-creation. In true Franciscan spirit, their ministry proclaimed, “Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures ...!” Sister Carol Liszka was born in Cleveland, Ohio. In the early 1940’s her paternal grandparents’ bought a farm in northwestern Pennsylvania. It was there, on childhood weekends and summers that Sr. Carol first came to love the land and its creatures. Later, she absorbed the Franciscan spirit from the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis who were her teachers at Marymount High School and her employers at Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She entered the congregation in 1958 and was invested on August 10, 1959.After completing three years of college toward a degree in medical technology, she taught high school sciences for two years at Sweetest Heart of Mary High School in Detroit, Michigan, then she completed her B.S.degree in medical technology at Mercy College in Detroit. Sr. Carol worked at Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio, and then as Chief Medical Technologist at St. Joseph Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. In Mississippi, her ministry expanded to working in the health aspect of the Newton County Headstart Program. During a Headstart funding shutdown, Sr. Carol secured a job with Opportunities Industrialization Center as a job developer for the unemployed and underemployed. In 1978, Sr. Carol discerned a move to South Bend, Indiana and there entered the clinical pastoral education program at St. Joseph Hospital. Shortly thereafter, she met Eileen Schmidt,Thelma Steiger and Sr. Margaret Therese Toohill, who were already
in discussion about how to prevent burnout for people in ministry. Four creative people were joined, each bringing a unique talent to make Ain Karim happen. In the years following Ain Karim, both Eileen and Sr. Carol continue to care for the gardens, land and creatures of the thirteen acre homestead they share with Thelma. Likewise, they stay actively engaged in the causes of land preservation and rural life issues. Thelma Steiger, Ph.D. is a Jungian psychotherapist.After a career in nursing and midwifery, she earned a doctorate in clinical and developmental psychology. She served as director of professional education in State Psychiatric Institutions in Pennsylvania. She was chairperson of the psychology department at Villa St. John Vianney Hospital, Downington, Pennsylvania from 1973-1986. After fifteen years of ministry at Ain Karim, Thelma complimented her Thomistic theology degree with certification in Franciscan Studies at Washington Theological Union. Currently she is engaged in spiritual direction and retreat ministry. Sr. Margaret Therese Toohill, OSF started her professional career with an MS in Nursing from Boston University. She then served as Director of Nursing in her Community’s sponsored hospital. Later she complimented her profession service with studies in spiritual directorship at the Jesuit institutions in Guelph and Wernersville. Sr. Margaret Therese also had the experience of serving her community as Councilor and General Minister for twelve years. Following her years in administration, she culminated her previous studies with certification from Neumann College in Aston, Pennsylvania. After her ministry at Ain Karim she became Minister of the Community Health Center at Williamsville, New York. Eileen Schmidt, M.A. is a Jungian psychotherapist. She grew up in Enhaut, Pennsylvania, with her parents and two brothers. Her father, being a Civil Service Employee of the Federal Government during WWII,had to move the family to Rome, New York, in 1941. Eileen attended St.Aloysius Academy while there. However, she completed her high school at Notre Dame in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, when her father was reassigned to the Willow Grove Naval Air Base in 1948. After graduation, in 1951, Eileen entered the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was educated as a teacher and taught both in grade schools and in high schools throughout her twenty two years in the IHM’s. In1973, Eileen pursued a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Villanova University, Pennsylvania. At this turning point in her life, Eileen met Thelma Steiger who, at that time, was chairperson of the psychology department at Villa Saint John Vianney Hospital. It was a Jungian moment of synchronicity. Eileen was hired by Thelma, and the two kindred spirits continued their growth, attending the Jung Institute in Philadelphia. During the eleven years that Eileen worked at Villa Saint John Vianney Hospital, she became convinced that some of the patients really did not have to be in a mental hospital. They were showing symptoms of fatigue and burnout, rather than mental illness. Thelma and Eileen were determined to provide an alternative “space” where spirits could be regenerated in a wholesome and prayerful environment. In 1986, they purchased the land and buildings that would become Ain Karim. At that time, Sr. Margaret Therese and Sr. Carol joined them. Ain Karim was sold in 2001,but the legacy of the right relationships lingers on the land. Ain Karim was the name of the village to which Mary went in haste to minister to her aging cousin during the final months of her pregnancy.The years of ministry given by the staff of Ain Karim live up to the biblical precedent. It was a place where Jesus could be found. It was a place of caring and peace. For that reason, we, too,“leap for joy” that Sr. Carol Liszka and Associate Eileen Schmidt are the SSJ-TOSF 2007 Peacemakers of the Year.
Sister Nolantia Zola Born to this life: January 28, 1907 Born to eternal life: October 10, 2006 A master teacher, mostly of math, who had the fine art of instilling a love for learning in students in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois.
Sister Consilia Mroczka Born to this life: November 26, 1915 Born to eternal life: March 17, 2007
Sister Julia Blahowiak (Lubmira) Born to this life: October 6, 1910 Born to eternal life: February 4, 2007 Sixth graders in Wisconsin schools were blessed with the peaceful spirit of Sr. Julia who was noted for her love of the students and her commitment to God.
Music was at the heart of her ministry as teacher and organist, serving in schools and parishes in Michigan, Connecticut, Ohio and Indiana. The music in her heart was her language of prayer.
Sister Helen Marie Jankowski (Gaudiosa) Born to this life: November 18, 1916 Born to eternal life: March 22, 2007
Sister Regina Swiecichowski (Paul) Born to this life: July 24, 1918 Born to eternal life: February 20, 2007 Sr. Regina’s home-making skills and her love for her sisters graced convents and parishes throughout Wisconsin.
Sr. Helen Marie dedicated over fifty years to teaching children in the state of Wisonsin, caring for them, mind, body and soul.
Sister Helen Therese Wiraszka (Laurentia) Born to this life: February 18, 1917 Born to eternal life: April 6, 2007
Sister Mary Blanche Zawisza Born to this life: December 14, 1916 Born to eternal life: February 21, 2007 Sr. Blanche spent most of her years of ministry in Connecticut, where she was born.With joy, she applied her gift of teaching little children.
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Sr. Helen Therese’s great joy was the many children she prepared for the sacraments she loved so deeply. She taught in schools in Ohio, Michigan and Connecticut for 45 years.
Dear Friends in Christ, Who are we? Who are we in the eyes of others? Who am I? These questions can take us into many long contemplation sessions. We, the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis have strived to make us and our ministries known through our communications and interactions with you, our prayer and financial partners. With our communications and interactions with you, we hope that the active and contemplative ministries are made clear and understandable as ministries to all God’s people. We do appreciate your input and comments to us.
Sister Denise Seymour
Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis
Some time ago I introduced you to the coming Campaigns for St. Joseph, Marymount and Immaculata Congregational Homes renovation projects. At St. Joseph Congregational Home in Stevens Point, we are almost ready to enter the public phase. The renovations are rapidly progressing. At Immaculata Congregational Home, our efforts will concentrate on the updating of the Chapel which will be the central point of the new Clare Oaks Continuing Care Community. Marymount Congregational Home is nearly ready to begin the campaign for the renovation of the convent. Further information will be provided as progress continues. I also mentioned in a previous mailing that we were working to set up on-line credit card donations at a secure site on our web. It is now active and ready to use. You will find it at www.ssj-tosf.org under the Development link. With the ever increasing web users, we hope to meet the needs and wishes of all our friends. Once again, let me express my sincere gratitude that you have partnered with us in our ministries through your prayerful and financial support. We appreciate you and hold you in the prayers of all our Sisters. God love and bless each of you abundantly! In the Risen Christ,
Sister Denise Seymour, SSJ-TOSF Director of Development
Development Office P.O. Box 388129 Chicago, IL 60638-8129 Phone: (773) 581-7505 Fax: (773) 581-7545 e-mail: dev@ssj-tosf.org
Regina High School
gets a new home in Warren, Michigan
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Sisters of St. Joseph,TOSF Public Relations Office P.O. Box 388129 Chicago, Illinois 60638-8129 www.ssj-tosf.org