Confianca, Fall 2015 by Joliet Franciscan Sisters

Confianรงa Celebrations, 2015

FALL 2015 / A Publication of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate - Joliet, IL

A Welcome from Sister Dolores Zemont

Confiança A publication of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate 1433 Essington Road Joliet IL 60435 (815) 725-8735 www.jolietfranciscans.org

Dear Friends,

Editor/Layout Design

L ucy Sanchez Dir ec tor o f Co mmunicatio ns l s a nc h ez@jo lietfrancis can s . o r g

Copy Editors Sr. Ann Freiburg, OSF Renee Cipriani Jennifer Cmolik

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2015 Jubilarians

Sr. Kay Francis Berger Artist Laureate 11 A Labor of Love

150th Celebrations 14 Meet My Ministry

Associate Journey

ARC Committee

At Journey’s End

Mission Statement Led by the Spirit, we embrace the Gospel life by commitment to Franciscan values and respond to the needs of our time through prayer, community and ministry. © 2015 - Joliet Franciscans

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To say we have been busy this year would be an understatement. As you know, the Joliet Franciscan Sisters celebrated the 150th anniversary of our founding by Mother Alfred Moes on August 2, 1865. If I had a Memory Box, it would be filled to the point of overflowing. In my Memory Box, I would include the many visits we made to parishes and schools where our Sisters served over the course of our history. In Florida, we visited Cardinal Gibbons High School and St. Coleman’s School. The people of South/ Central Illinois welcomed us warmly at St. Michael in Sigel, St. Mary, Help of Christians in Green Creek, St. Francis of Assisi in Teutopolis and Sacred Heart in Lillyville. We visited Holy Family Parish in Bayfield and St. Francis Parish in Red Cliff, Wisconsin. In Ohio, we spent time with the people of St. Peter’s in Mansfield, which was our first mission outside of Joliet, and St. Mary’s in Columbus. St. Pius X in Lombard, Illinois, St. Mary Immaculate in Plainfield, Illinois, St. Joseph in Manhattan, Illinois, and St. Andrew in Romeoville, Illinois, all hosted masses and receptions for us. And then there were the celebrations in Joliet, our home. St. Paul the Apostle, St. Jude, the Cathedral of St. Raymond, Sacred Heart, St. Joseph and St. John the Baptist, our first mission, reminded us of the role we have played in the lives of so many former students who still call Joliet home. On August 1, we gathered at Our Lady of Angels Chapel in Joliet for a Prayer Service to remember the deceased Sisters and Associates. My predecessors, Associate Directors, and I read the names of 941 Sisters and 44 Associates, as well as the names of our foundress Mother Alfred Moes and founder, Father Pamfilo de Magliano, while candles were lit, prayers were said and hymns were sung. It was an emotionally charged service that many who were present will hold in their hearts. On August 2, I stood in the sanctuary and commons of the Cathedral of St. Raymond and welcomed hundreds of our family members, clergy, former members, Associates and friends to our celebration. To look at the faces of our Sisters seated at the front of the Cathedral who had processed behind a statue of Mother Alfred Moes and a banner carrying the names of all the Joliet Franciscan Sisters, living and deceased, is a sight I will not soon forget. Sisters Margaret Mary Kimmins and Pat Reid, both Allegany Franciscans, whose Congregation was also founded by Father Pamfilo, participated in the procession furthering the connection we share. This day, too, will be in my Memory Box. continued at the bottom of the next page

On the Cover: Top Left: Sister Deborah Gaughan carries the Mother Alfred statue at the beginning of the 150th Mass. Right: Past Presidents of the Congregation. Bottom: 2015 Jubilarians.

Advancing the Mission Hello everyone! All the celebrations surrounding the 150th Anniversary of the Congregation’s founding are winding down. This issue of Confiança includes photos from the celebrations at parishes and, of course, the August 2 Eucharistic Liturgy. Thank you for your generous donations honoring this milestone anniversary. Our “Meet My Ministry” series features Sister Susan Bruno. Sister Sue is a Hall Director at the University of Portland. She also serves as the chaplain for the women’s basketball team. We are also excited to share Sister Jeanne Bessette’s story, “A Labor of Love” which covers Sister Jeanne’s work as president of DePaul Cristo Rey High School in Cincinnati. The school, now in its fifth school year, celebrated its first graduating class in May. All graduates were accepted into college. We are in final preparation for the 26th Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast taking place on Sunday, October 25, at the Patrick C. Haley Mansion in Joliet. This annual event benefits the mission and ministries of the Sisters. It is also the opportunity for the Sisters to honor individuals and organizations impacting the community around them.

Receiving the 2015 Mother Alfred Moes Award, which honors those who transform vision into service, are The WillGrundy Medical Clinic and Diane Nilan, founder and president of Hear Us. For their tireless work in the community, the 2015 Nan Nagl Joliet Franciscan HeriDirector of Mission Advancement tage Award is bestowed to Mrs. Frances Naal and Mrs. Claire Millweard. Thank you for your response to our appeals this year. The 2015 Christmas appeal will be arriving soon and I ask you to please consider making a donation in memory or honor of a family member or, perhaps, a favorite teacher. You make a difference and we thank you. Until next time, enjoy the miracle of each new day.

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My Memory Box will also hold the Papal Blessing from Pope Francis, the American flag that flew over the United States Capitol in our honor on August 2, the congratulatory letter from President Obama, as well as the letters from Archbishop Cupich (Archdiocese of Chicago), Archbishop Winski (Archdiocese of Miami), Bishop Siegel and Bishop Imesch (Diocese of Joliet), Governor Rauner, and Senator Durbin. The proclamations from the City of Joliet, Will County in Illinois, Joliet Township in Illinois, State Senate of Illinois and the City of Bayfield, Wisconsin, will be in the box. The honors received from the University of St. Francis, Joliet Catholic Academy, USF Alumni Association and Joliet/Will Project Pride will have a special place in the Memory Box. All of the many spoken and written greetings from friends, family members and others who have crossed our paths will complete the Memory Box. Over the years to come, I will open my Memory Box and remember this year. I am both honored and humbled to serve as the Congregation’s president at this time in our history. You are a part of this history and I am grateful for all that you do for the Joliet Franciscans. We are blessed by your presence in our lives. You are held in our prayers. Peace and all good, Sister Dolores Zemont, OSF President

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Congratulations to our 2015 Jubilarians When their year of celebration began, the 2015 Jubilarians were asked two questions: “Do you have a special memory of a past or present ministry?” and “What does living the Franciscan life mean to you?” In their own words, taken from recent issues of the monthly newsletter for the Congregation, are portions of the Jubilarians’ answers to these questions.

80th Jubilarians

Sister Marie Schramko One of the warmest memories for Sr. Marie is wrapped in the story of the beginnings of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1961. The memories are captured in a series of journals she’s kept all these years. “I knew if I ever tried to tell anybody they wouldn’t believe me. We had no building. But we did whatever we had to do. The place was all sand. We had no lights, no telephone and no water. We had to borrow chairs and tables.”

Sister Loretta Wagner When asked about special memories, Sr. Loretta recalls with gratitude and special joy three different ministries. The first was as a travel nurse for Sisters who needed a nurse for their surgeries or illnesses. The second was

Classes were ready to start before the buildings were completed. Sr. Marie became the founding principal of the girls’ division of the then co-institutional school. One hundred seventy-six students in 1961 grew to over 1000 students in 2015. It’s always about the students. “I loved working with the students and anytime I could help, I would.” As assistant principal, Sr. Marie has duties and she tries to go to all the home games and matches to support the students and staff. All of these people from over 50 years of ministry at Cardinal Gibbons and 20 prior in education are gift. It is clear that Sr. Marie’s Franciscan religious life is marked by gratitude, trust in God and compassion.

starting health programs at the College of St. Francis, now the University of St. Francis, and the third was her time at Resurrection Hospital. At the present time Sr. Loretta is grateful for all the love, support and care at OLA. Sr. Loretta expresses what Franciscan Religious Life means to her by her life of care and concern for all. It is seen in her constant smile and joyful dancing spirit. She invites others to the dance!

75th Jubilarians Sister Peter Didier Sister Peter’s special memories are from the time she spent at Our Lady of Angels. For many years, Sister Peter was on the nursing staff. She was happily taking care of the Sisters and residents at OLA.

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When asked what her Franciscan Life means to her, she answered, “My Franciscan religious life means everything to me. It brings me joy and contentment!” Sister Peter enjoys the ministry of prayer, presence and compassion. She enjoys going to group activities, especially Bingo, still plays Skip-Bo with other residents and, as a loyal Cub fan her entire life, she enjoys watching the games on television and sharing her views of the team with other fans.

75th Jubilarians continued Sister Therese Greaney “I have good memories of my time working with Catholic Charities. After teaching for fifty years, I joined the Senior Companion Program. This program means visiting the elderly in their homes. I enjoyed

Sister Felicity (Joy) Gaffney “I have innumerable everlasting memories of years teaching from California to Florida in schools of diverse cultures: Indian, Mexican, rural, inner city, private academy, parish schools for girls, coed city-wide parish schools, large diocesan high schools and a GED program. How heartwarming to follow teenagers through their high school years as they enhanced their lives with the development and enrichment of their God-given gifts to become young men and women sufficiently confident and eager to follow their unknown futures.

visiting in their homes and sharing much with them about their blessings from God. The last six months with Catholic Charities I worked here at OLA. “Praying with scripture has always been nourishing for me. In recent years I have become more mindful of God’s presence in creation. I find that prayer often permeates my day especially when I am moved by some unexpected blessing. Remembering that God’s plans are not my plans, I need to step back and take quiet time and trust God’s plan.” “Living the Franciscan religious life to me is endeavoring to imitate Francis’ charism within my limited ability. Those qualities most appealing to my personality are his simple lifestyle, no frills, no pretensions, ‘I am who I am;’ his intense enjoyment of the beauties and marvels of creation; his humility in accepting others as superior to himself; his passion to comfort and aid the poor, the lepers, all the marginalized; the friendliness and sincerity with which he greeted others (friend or foe); fearlessness in encountering risks, dangers, opposition and the unknown; his free spirit in traveling the Umbrian hills and valleys, the highways and bi-ways spreading God’s good news to all along the way by word and example. Would that I might, even to a small degree, capture Francis’ intense, ecstatic relationship with God in prayer. This is my goal, to attain some part of this step-by-step, year by year, God’s will be done.”

60th Jubilarians

Sister Janet Tucci

“In 1978 I began my ministry at Sacred Heart Mission in Hopkins Park, Illinois. It is an AfricanAmerican rural area near Indiana and it is one of the poorest areas in Illinois. It was my first year teaching in a school. Father Tony Taschetta was the charismatic young pastor. He told us that our ministry would consist of PRAYER, PRESENCE and SERVICE. We tried to live poorly but we could never

really be as poor as those we served. The little they had they generously shared. It wasn’t long before I fell in love with the people of Sacred Heart Mission. They truly were people of deep faith, joy and patience. It was inspiring to attend church services, to hear the uplifting songs and spiritual sharing of our dear parishioners. These wonderful people touched my life deeply throughout the five years that I ministered among them. That’s where I learned from Fr. Tony and the people to say, ‘THANK YOU, Jesus,’ before asking for a favor. I still say it many times a day. It’s powerful! This is the most special memory I have of the many past and varied ministries. (continued on the next page)

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60th Jubilarians

Sister Janet Tucci - continued

“Living the Franciscan religious life means living my vows by embracing simplicity, conversion, prayer, community living, and service to/with the poor as I endeavor to follow in the footprints of St. Francis of

Sister Margaret Krieger Sister Margaret remembers every place she has ever ministered in five different states over the years. Most often, she was a teacher and a parish organist. One of the special places that Sister Margaret served was St. Coleman’s School in Pompano Beach, Florida. Not only was the weather beautiful, but the kids were fun and creative. She remembers planning Masses with an exceptional group of four junior high students, all guitarists. One boy was not only an excellent guitarist, he even wrote music. The planning was not hard. In fact, it was a joy. As a science teacher she saw this same creativity produce some phenomenal science fair projects.

Sister Dorothy Kinsella “Two generations of my family were educated by the Joliet Franciscans who ministered at Saint Clement Parish in Chicago. When I shared with my father my plans to enter the convent, I remember him saying, “It has to be our Sisters.” Beginning with that formative experience, I now can grasp that for me living the Franciscan religious life is an evolving discovery of being in relationship. For me this lived experience is a gift that keeps prompting openness, wonder and awe. It is opening my eyes, ears and heart to the Divine and the human, to individuals and to groups, and to creation. Trained to be a teacher,

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Assisi. My Congregation of Sisters is very important to me. We have many gatherings where we interact with one another and listen to speakers on religious topics. On certain feast days, we enjoy liturgies and meals together. I love our spirit of joy and hospitality.”

“I also loved my ministry at Hopkins Park, Illinois. It was all about being a presence and serving whoever had a need.” It was there that the faith of the people touched Sister Margaret, a faith that was deep and living. It was here where other talents came forth. Sr. Margaret studied for and received licensing as an Illinois and national level EMT. She also helped prepare the home they would live in, including tiling the floors. “These are all wonderful memories!” When asked what living the Franciscan religious life means to her, Sister Margaret responded, “The simplicity of the Franciscan way of life means a lot to me. I find the prayer of Francis and Clare expressed so clearly in the introductory pages of the Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise. God is present everywhere! Contemplative prayer happens when we become present to God and we trust His ever loving care. It’s simple! Praise and thanks were always the way for Francis and Clare.”

I continue to find the study of history fascinating although I left teaching full time many years ago. “In my earlier years I joined NETWORK, a religious lobby in Washington. As a staff member, I entered the ministry of peace and justice which I have embraced ever since. At our Congregation’s Guardian Angel Home I had the opportunity to continue peace and justice ministry. I helped develop the programs for those victimized by domestic violence and sexual assault. When I would enter the area that sheltered women and children, I would say: ‘I am entering sacred space.’ That is how I felt about being present to clients and staff. Another memorable experience was my time at Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish in Romeoville. Companioning adults preparing to receive the sacraments as well as parents whose children were (continued on the next page)

60th Jubilarians

Sister Dorothy Kinsella - continued receiving their First Eucharist was truly a gift - it was another period in time that moved me in the ongoing evolving discovery of relationships and living the Franciscan religious life.

Sister Joan Clare Wisner “For twenty years I taught or served as principal in Joliet, Romeoville, Wheaton, Chicago and Teutopolis, Illinois, and Columbus and Ashland, Ohio. I enjoyed these years. At St. Andrew’s in Romeoville I had a great class who worked with me and formed a club called Dare to Be Different. Working together we raised funds for a trip to Washington D.C. My next forty years in ministry were spent serving the Congregation, working at the Motherhouse and Guardian Angel Home. I consider myself a “mover,” as I assisted in moving Sisters from one place

Sister Phyllis Pitz “When I entered, I told Mother Immaculate I wanted to be a cook. She replied, ‘You’ll make a good teacher.’ The rest is history! I taught elementary school for 20 years, of which the last 7 years were as principal and teacher. I then worked in healthcare from 1975 to the present time. Approximately half of my sixty years of ministry has been in administration. For me, living the Franciscan religious life is living a life of simplicity, of loving presence and of poverty, as Francis and Clare gave us the example of living the Gospel life of Jesus. It means

“I serve on our Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission as well as our Anti-Racism Committee. Both give witness to our Congregation’s commitment to peace and justice and respect for all peoples.” Editor note: It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Sister Dorothy Kinsella. She died on September 14, 2015. Her obituary is on page 26. She will be truly missed.

to another, including the Motherhouse and GAH. I was glad to be working with great staffs. I also maintained the buildings and grounds but my personal contact with each Sister and staff member was very humbling. Being called to be a Franciscan was special to me. Both Francis and Clare showed me how to love and be compassionate. I have continued trying to be like them. I, too, have a great love for nature and try to praise God for all His gifts. Love and compassion for those in need or treated unjustly are of great concern for me. My participation in daily Eucharistic celebration along with my daily use of our Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise helps me stay focused. I am eternally grateful for my call and the examples of my high school teachers, especially Sr. Marie Schramko and Sr. Cyrinus Flaska.”

joyfully being present to those I daily encounter; having a loving concern for them; sharing a laugh and sometimes a tear; letting them know that I understand and care. It means going the extra mile for those I serve and being aware of their spiritual needs. During my journey in religious life I have met many ‘bumps in the road!’ Memories that touch me with a tinge of sadness and yes, memories that make me proud, very proud — and events which caused me to grow, to be and eventually to become. Over the years, my Sisters have been caring, encouraging, understanding and supportive. I am most grateful for the joy and happiness I have experienced living the Franciscan religious life — this I truly believe is God’s constant gift to me.”

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60th Jubilarians

Sister Lauren Wiegman

“I

have been able to continue teaching through tutoring part-time since I have retired. Tutoring has allowed me a place to be constantly surprised at the people, children and adults, American and foreign, who still have stars in their eyes and haven’t given up on self-improvement. Students can also bring me up short in many ways with a simple comment or question. Their ‘whys’ can be unsettling because they make me so aware that all answers are not easy. I also work with people who don’t have all of the skills and resources to find adequate paying jobs. Teaching also keeps my mind active. I have to study to keep sharp on many skills in reading, math and language that are often brought down even from former college level material. I appreciate this challenge. My experiences have brought me to a broader view of life and a greater appreciation for others whose experiences are so different from my own. Joliet Franciscans were my teachers at St. Peter’s in Mansfield. In ninth grade, I was fortunate to have several fantastic teachers who

Sister Albert Marie Papesh “A single memory? Next to impossible! I have been gifted with so many memories on this 60 year journey led by the God of surprises! There are memories of teaching elementary grade school children, meeting their parents and preparing choirs and music for school and parish functions, ministering through the joys and sorrows of the residents (both Sisters and lay), their families and staff at OLA Retirement Home, and being humbled and grateful for the kindness and generosity of friends, families and benefactors during my Development Office days. All of these continue to come to mind and prayer as I now minister as a member of our St. Clare House of Prayer in Joliet. Imbedded in these memories are those I most treasure of my Sisters in Community

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were supportive, dedicated and fun. I never thought of being a Religious as a youngster. I never thought I could measure up to what that would require. Those teachers opened to me the beauty of Community life and allowed me to dare to dream. I am now celebrating 60 years of professed Religious life and can hardly believe it. I look at the many women in the Community (and those who were with us for even a short time) and am still impressed by the dedication and support they have provided. I have served in over 17 places and can give multiple examples of so many great experiences. I am thankful to my mom and dad for their support. They were loving parents and dedicated Catholics. Only later in life did I realize that their gentle support was at a cost to them in allowing their oldest child to follow her dreams at a time when I could have given back to them in helping with my six younger siblings. Mom questioned me once on entering the Joliet Franciscans. She said, ‘Why don’t you join the Franciscans in Tiffin? They are closer than Illinois.’ My reply was, ‘Mom, you don’t marry the guy next door just because he’s close,’ and we both laughed. Yes, I have worked with Sisters from other communities, but Joliet Franciscans are my other family.”

who challenged me to grow by their examples of dedicated service to God and God’s people, their faithfulness, support, prayerfulness, and, last but not least, their sisterly love. Francis called that ‘Fraternitas.’ It was the example of the Sisters of St. Francis teaching at St. Raymond’s School in Joliet during my grade school years that opened my mind and heart to what it meant to be ‘Franciscan.’ They lived the word ‘joy.’ Over the years I’ve grown in the realization that joy is rooted in striving to live the Gospel of Jesus, with Francis and Clare leading the way. Their way was one of compassionate, humble presence and service to all encountered on the journey and being ever awed by the wonders and mysteries of God’s creation. This is the challenge of being Franciscan. This is Francis’ legacy to his followers, as he wrote: ‘I have done what was mine to do. May Christ teach you what is yours to do.’ So I listen to know how to live and pass on Francis’ legacy to whomever and wherever I am called to serve.”

50th Jubilarians

Sister Marianne Saieg

“Jubilee, 50 years! While reflecting, reviewing and remembering these blessed and mysterious years, I began to see the powerful love and attending hands of a God who never leaves us alone. Pursuing and being pursued by God is an awesome realization. Throughout my Franciscan life, spirituality has been my passion and guide. It has been so in every ministry and in all my studies, a backdrop to my life. Was it in ministry, the early years with children, teaching? Or was it with the Ministry of Religious Education, forming and being formed at the same time, imparting the meaning of Sacraments, and the love of God in every circumstance? Along with teaching, I was also searching in my heart with everyone else. The religious life is a call within a call. From these ministries I found myself teaching Permanent Deacons and their wives for the Archdiocese of Chicago. This was a re-formation for me as well as a gift from God. During this time I was Spiritual Director with many. I

Sister Martha Eckstein “Among the many fond memories that I treasure, one that stands out in my memory occurred during my first year of teaching in Chicago at SS Peter and Paul School. A first grade student in my class was hit by a car while she was walking home from school. She (Kathy) was not seriously hurt but was frightened beyond measure. She crawled further under the car for security and refused to come out. She kept crying, ‘I want my Sister Dorita.’ So the police came to school in their cruiser to take me back to this little one. As soon as Kathy saw me she wiggled her way out from under the car and into

soon found out that God is the primary Director; I just had the awesome privilege of watching God at work within others. Where do we begin to recount the graces given? How do we succinctly enumerate 50 years? The Jubilee Celebration is about God’s faithfulness. All is free gift. Throughout all these years photography, art and poetry were how I imagined getting the point across in all my teachings. Through a lens, in photography, we can ‘see’ with these eyes and more deeply into with our hearts. In our current culture, God finds ways to re-tell the ancient stories written in the Scriptures. All through these years spirituality and love for the Word has carried me in every event of my life. As Franciscans, our lives are lived out with and along-side of so many incredible models of the Gospel. Franciscans are earthy people with enormous hearts. We struggle together and we walk a common walk in many different ways. The challenge is to keep on asking God to open our hearts to the ordinary, daily journey set before us. Love grows, as with every vocation, through painful and unimaginable happenings. Through it all we are carried through this life by invisible hands of love. As quoted from Dag Hammarskjold: ‘For all that has been, I say Thank You, for all to come, Yes.’”

my arms. I learned from that little six year old what a wonderful and very important role a teacher can play in the lives of their students. Inspired by Francis and Clare, I have tried to live, for the past 50 years, a life of simplicity and service to others. In my ministry of teaching young children, I strive to enhance their Catholic values and beliefs. Through encouragement and example, I’ve always worked to develop a peaceful environment in the classroom, helping children to work and respect each other. ‘Lord make me an instrument of your peace.’ This peaceful environment is really a hallmark of my classroom. Parents and administrators over the years have remarked on how calm the setting and how the children seem to flourish in the atmosphere of peace and gentleness.”

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50th Jubilarians Sister Elaine Kerscher “Over the past fifty years I have been blessed to be involved in many different kinds of ministries. In each one of them, whether in the field of education, Congregation leadership, pastoral ministry, or Tribunal ministry, I met wonderful people whose commitment to living the Gospel served as a strong witness in my life. I have special memories of the children I taught in the primary grades - how eager they were to learn of God’s love for them. Professional colleagues became valued mentors and friends when I

responded to a call to do something new. This time of Jubilee is like an extended Litany of Thanksgiving as I recall with gratitude the people, the challenges and the opportunities that have been blessings along my life journey as a Joliet Franciscan. Francis and Clare of Assisi were attuned to God’s spirit speaking to them in the ordinary circumstances of their lives. Through God’s grace they became aware of how God was calling them to preach the Gospel and to live the Gospel. The call to live the Franciscan religious life is an ongoing call to conversion. For me, it means being receptive to the ways God speaks through the people and events in my life and being willing to follow where God’s call leads.”

25th Jubilarians

Irmã Sebastiana Barbosa de Freitas

“Remembering my ministry, it is with happiness that ever since I entered the Congregation, I have always worked with the youth in the “Pastoral of Youth” as well as in service of Vocations. I have so many good memories of places and ministries, but one that stands out is a short but very intense experience in Rondonia, Diocese of JiParan, where I was invigorated and understood more clearly what mission really is. Also, in the Parish of Santo Antônio da Esperança, Diocese of Ipameri, I had a special experience with people who are very simple.

Sister Theresa Fifer Excerpts taken from an article by Mary Kay McPartlin in FAITH: For 21 years, Sr. Theresa has served St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brighton, Michigan, by leading the religious education

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Now here in Bernardo Sayão I am beginning to work with the Infant Missionaries which is very good and I have hope of continuing … with the blessings of the Lord. ‘Yes, Hallelujah! The Lord has done wonders for us, Alleluia!’ (Ps. 126) This is what I can say: the Lord has done wonders for me in these past 30 years, and just like Mary, I want to express: My soul magnifies the Lord, because he looked on me with so much love, opened my eyes to see and renew His call for me. Moreover, with a lightness I realize the Cross and resurrection are not separated as He once revealed to Francis. I do not see myself on any other journey. I just thank Him for everything and for calling me to be a Franciscan Sister of Mary Immaculate.”

program. Bringing her faith, theological education, and experience as a mother to her ministry with the parish families has been a very good combination. “I still teach eighth grade and I love it,” said Sr. Theresa. “Everyone in our department believes that their job is a ministry and a call from God. We have about 700 children and youths in our program. It’s a big job that requires team effort.” Helping kids to believe in their own goodness is a blessing for the teacher and the students. “I remind my students that holy does not

25th Jubilarians

Sister Theresa Fifer - continued

mean perfect. Holy means that you’re trying your best and you’re asking God to help you.” Whatever the next chapter in her life holds, it will certainly involve all aspects of her life: faith, family and community. “Our faith is an integral part of us,” Sr. Theresa says. “It affects how we interact with everyone. Religious life is a powerful way to make a difference in our Church and in our world. People need to know that God loves them dearly.”

Sr. Theresa believes her Franciscan life as a Joliet Franciscan was formed by her mother who taught, by example, the importance of all life. “She set us up for the Franciscan way of life without even knowing it; she was a very ethical and compassionate person.” After being an Associate member for three years, Sr. Theresa asked the order to allow her to discern life as a vowed religious. “I didn’t feel drawn to any other orders,” Sr. Theresa says. “I felt the Franciscans were more attuned to my spirituality and personality. They were just like family to me.”

Sister Kay Francis Berger Named Artist Laureate “A Laureate is a person who is honored or awarded a prize for great achievements, especially in the arts and sciences. An artist who is worthy of the greatest honor or distinction is named an Artist Laureate,” announced Sister Dolores Zemont, Sisters Kay Francis and Dolores President of the Congregation, to all of the Sisters and Associates present at the recent Summer Gathering. “So today, we are honored to name Sister Kay Francis Berger, Artist Laureate of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.” Sister Kay Francis is the first Sister to receive this honor in the Congregation. Sister Kay Francis received her bachelor’s degree from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne and a master’s degree from Catholic University in Fine Arts. She also attended the University of Notre Dame where she took courses on both ceramics and metal sculpture. Known for her work depicting Saint Francis in ceramic sculpture, Sister Kay has also worked extensively in oil, watercolor, original stitchery and silversmithing. She has

produced many one-of-a-kind pieces that are displayed throughout the world. Among Sister Kay Francis’ favorite pieces is a statue of St. Francis with a wolf sitting at his feet. Sister Kay Francis will tell you how she was inspired to create this sculpture. “Many years ago, before entering the Congregation, I was approached by a real life-sized wolf! I was in the woods when he silently came upon me. I have never forgotten this encounter.” It made an impact on both her life and work. She also portrayed this encounter in a large hand-stiched embroidery piece she made many years ago. “It was a present to my mother and father. When they both died, the piece was returned to me.” It now resides in her Canticle Art Studio. In closing, Sister Dolores said, “In the arts, Sister Kay Francis could do it all, and she did her work quietly, not looking for recognition, and with great humility. We are very fortunate to have Sister Kay Francis in our midst.”

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A Labor of Love By: Sister Jeanne Bessette, OSF When I started high school in the late 1960s, I could never have imagined that I would spend the better part of a lifetime in high school. But by the time I joined the Joliet Franciscans 10 years later, I was pretty sure I would spend my life in ministry as a high school teacher. My prediction was close, but short-sighted.

Sister Jeanne greeting business people from the Cincinnati region

After almost a dozen years of teaching English – and loving every minute of it – I studied private school administration to become a principal. My first administrative position as principal at Trinity High School in River Forest, Illinois, gave me the opportunity to figure out whether or not one of Chicago’s 22 Catholic women’s high schools could survive when its brother school became co-ed. Today that school is thriving, and is one of only five women’s schools still operating in Chicago. This was a perfect example of “Go big or go home.”

After serving for eight years in Congregation leadership as a member of our Governing Board, I had the opportunity to search out my next good work. The president of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, whom I knew from LCWR’s national board, asked me what I was planning to do next. She told me that her congregation was hoping to start a Cristo Rey high school in Cincinnati and join a network of schools that had grown from a single school while I was principal of Trinity to 24 schools from coast to coast. When they posted the job opening on January 2, 2009, I applied that very day. Four months later, I was hired to be the founding president. In the spirit of Elizabeth Ann Seton, these women had decided to return to their roots and start a new ministry in the service of those with few or no financial resources. For me as a Franciscan woman, the call to serve this population was at the heart of how I want to minister at this point of my life. Having the opportunity to start a new high school, virtually from the ground up, is a rare experience for most school administrators. One of our Joliet Franciscan sisters said to me at the time, “When I think about what you’re about to do, it makes my head hurt.” I didn’t have time to let my head hurt. I had to throw myself – body, Above: Students and Sister Jeanne with patrons, St. mind, heart, spirit, soul, experience, education and imagination – Vincent de Paul and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton into this project, and I’m still going strong. I began as a staff of one person in the summer of 2009, working from the Sisters of Charity motherhouse in Mount St. Joseph, Ohio. I thanked God at the time that I moved to Cincinnati during the era of GPS on my phone because geographically this is one crazy city. Unlike the ordered grid that is Chicago, Cincinnati’s streets and roads follow the twisting ways of the Ohio River, which comprises its southern border. And just for the fun of it, most streets change names every couple of miles. In order to get to know my new city, as I met with people who were willing to help me start the school, I went to them. This took me to every neighborhood and business district throughout the region. Within months, I had turned into a pretty good tour guide, in fact.

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Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati visit our school.

A Cristo Rey high school provides urban, low income students with a unique educational opportunity. We combine a rigorous college prep curriculum with a corporate work study program throughout each student’s four years of high school. We place teenagers in white collar and healthcare jobs alongside collegeeducated adults very purposefully. This experience opens their eyes to professional opportunities that are available to college graduates and gives them the social and work experiences they need to become the region’s youngest professionals themselves. And it gives kids aspirational role models – people they will want to emulate. What does it take to start a high school? A location helps. After looking at 30 possible sites, we purchased a former Lutheran Sister Jeanne, Mary Ann (Valedictorian), Kevin (Saluchurch and elementary school. I helped to decide on a name for tatorian) and Principal Andy Farfsing the school – DePaul Cristo Rey. I hired three people to work with me for the second six months – someone to recruit students, someone to recruit companies to hire our students, and someone to work with me on the property in order to convert it into a fledgling high school. In the second year of planning the school, we added a principal and development director. It was time to write the curriculum and begin to raise the kind of serious funds it would take to launch our school. The Sisters of Charity have helped me in a thousand ways – from helping me find board members to reaching out to the business community; from introducing me to people when I was a stranger to providing most of the initial funds required to launch the school; from welcoming me as a “Franciscan Sister of Charity” to praying daily for the success of our new venture; from offering wisdom to volunteering. Every one of them considered this school their “baby.” They still do! Despite the fact that I had previous experience in high school leadership, our first year was a jolt of reality. After two years of planning, a week before we were opening we realized we hadn’t put together a plan to feed our students – and these turned out to be the hungriest kids I’ve ever known! We wrote rules and policies on the fly. We opened the school with 88 ninth graders, 5.5 teachers, six classrooms and 24 local companies partnering with us. Someone asked if I had a long range plan; I said, “The school is only 10 minutes old; give me some time.” By year two, we had a strategic plan – and a growing student body demanding a ton of time, energy and creativity of all the adults in the school. And after four years as a school, we just graduated our first class with 100% of the students accepted into college. How does the president of a brand new school spend her time? Planning building renovations and additions; meeting new people on a daily basis; shoring up tired staff members – tired from the great work they are doing; raising funds and raising jobs; leading a great team of co-administrators; praying for inspiration and guidance; encouraging some of the best kids on the planet; making sure that parents and grandparents and extended families feel welcome; feeding hungry students, sometimes by cooking for them myself; planning, planning and planning; meeting, meeting and meeting; and then praying, praying and praying. DePaul Cristo Rey High School, in the spirit of its namesakes, St. Vincent de Paul and Christ the King, is a place where all are welcome, where all are treated with dignity, where everyone is a beloved child of God. It is a labor of love, a model of building community, and a place where every student graduates from high school and college – to become their best selves and take their place in our world – a world that needs the gifts they will share with us all. Sister Jeanne, Sister Mary Jo Young and Lil Bessette (far left) cooking dinner for the Senior Retreat

FALL 2015

150th Celebrations Come to a Close Our 150th Anniversary year is almost over. This has been a significant milestone in our Congregation’s history. Over the past year, we have had the pleasure of visiting many of the parishes where our Sisters ministered over the course of our history. Each place we visited welcomed us warmly. Meeting with friends, former colleagues and students and sharing memories has been a heartwarming and humbling experience. We thank you for sharing your time with us. August 2, 2014 Opening of the 150th Anniversary year September 14, 2014 Former Sacred Heart School - Englewood, IL Alum Reunion (Gaelic Park) Oak Forest, IL September 21, 2014 USF Alumni Memorial Mass University of St. Francis - Joliet, IL November 8-9, 2014 South/Central, IL Mary Help of Christians - Green Creek, IL Sacred Heart - Lillyville, IL St. Francis of Assisi - Teutopolis, IL St. Michael Parish - Sigel, IL February 8, 2015 St. Pius X Parish – Lombard, IL February 11-16, 2015 Cardinal Gibbons H.S. – Ft. Lauderdale, FL St. Coleman Parish & School – Pompano Beach, FL April 18-19, 2015 St. Peter Parish & School - Mansfield, OH April 26, 2015 Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish & School - Joliet, IL May 15-18, 2015 Bayfield, Red Cliff, Odanah, Washburn and Ashland Mass at Holy Family - Bayfield, WI St. Francis of Assisi - Red Cliff, WI

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June 28, 2015 St. John the Baptist Parish - Joliet, IL July 18, 2015 St. Joseph Parish & Museum – Joliet, IL July 26, 2015 Sacred Heart Parish - Joliet, IL August 1, 2015 Memorial Service honoring the lives of the deceased Sisters and Associates held at OLA. August 2, 2015 150th Anniversary Mass Cathedral of St. Raymond - Joliet, IL August 8, 2015 St. Paul the Apostle Parish & St. Jude Parish - Joliet, IL September 18-20, 2015 St. Mary Immaculate Parish & School - Plainfield, IL September 26, 2015 St. Andrew the Apostle Parish – Romeoville, IL October 11, 2015 St. Mary Parish - Columbus, OH - To be Celebrated November 15, 2015 St. Francis de Sales Parish - Chicago, IL December 6, 2015 St. Joseph Parish & School - Manhattan, IL December 20, 2015 Brazil

FALL 2015

Meet My Ministry

Photo Credit: University of Portland

Meet Sister Susan Bruno, OSF. She is the Hall Director in Fields Hall at the University of Portland, Oregon. This is not Sister Sue’s first time ministering to college students; she also spent 15 years at Notre Dame University. Following is her ministry story.

By: Sister Susan Bruno, OSF

ot many college students can say that they’ve lived with a motorcycleriding Sister on campus, but those who have, certainly have a good story to tell! I currently serve at the University of Portland as a Hall Director in Fields Hall which is home to almost 250 women. I am primarily responsible for the well-being and development of the students in my building. I try to live out the University’s mission of teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership, in Fields Hall. I try to foster a community that promotes mutual respect, faith development, and service to fellow hall members and the University community at large.

Looking after those in our hall is a complex and multi-layules, they are truly imperative for the wellbeing of those in ered mission. Many of the women in our hall go through our hall, and for our staff as well. personal struggles involving family, roommates, academics, or relationships, and a primary part of my role is to Why do you continue to do this ministry? help them get through these tough times. I have Pastoral It is very fulfilling to work with young adults in such conversations with residents concerning policies and beformative years of their lives. For many of those living in havior, oversee a student-driven committee to plan events our hall, it is their first experience being away from their for the hall, and collaborate with adults across campus parents, their hometown, and most everything they’re (e.g., professors, campus ministers) who want to be infamiliar with. Thus, when they come to the University of volved in our hall community. Every week, Portland, the students not only learn acawe offer a Hall Mass in which our live-in demically, but they also realize life lessons “Sister Sue is a great priest, Fr. John Donato, CSC, presides over concerning their values, ethics, and charachall director. She is the service. This Mass is perfect for college strict, but also underter. students – it happens at 10:15 p.m.! standing. … Sister Sue keeps us all in line and I feel privileged to interact with these All my responsibilities serve as quite a big students in the highs – and especially the is constantly looking task, and thankfully I don’t have to do it lows – in this period of extensive change. out for us. Everything alone. I administer a staff consisting of an Our residents make mistakes and learn from she does is to benefit Assistant Hall Director and four Resident us. She is so sweet and them. They often get their hearts broken and Assistants who all contribute to the wellbelearn to recover from that type of experiI’m very lucky to have ing of our students. Every week, I facilitate her as my hall director. ence. They struggle with separation issues meetings in which we discuss any concerns Once again, Fields Hall with their parents and family. It certainly we have about individual women, plans isn’t an easy time in their lives, but the wouldn’t have felt like for upcoming events, and the maintenance care and attention from our staff helps our home so quickly withof our building. As important as these line residents to get through it. In the beginning out her.” items are, I also am sure to incorporate more of each school year, I meet individually with (From: Hall Life Survey, 2013-14) all 160 freshmen in our hall to learn more personal and spiritual elements into our agenda. Every week, someone on our staff about what’s going on in their lives, and if brings a prayer for the start of the meeting, which I believe there are any concerns we need to be aware of. We contincenters and quiets our minds. Although it can be difficult ue this theme of personal attention to all in our home and for all to find time for these meetings in our busy schedthis is done throughout our hall as best we can. Time and

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time again, I see our residents pull through the tribulations and look back on their experience in our hall as a uniquely rewarding experience in their lives. How has this ministry changed your life? I have spent 18 years in this ministry – 15 at Notre Dame, and three at the University of Portland. From the very start in 1993, my role as a Hall Director allowed me to branch out and undergo substantial professional and personal growth. Integrating myself into the Residence Life ministry stretched me beyond anything I had imagined – it caused me to be much more self-giving and other-focused. I was fortunate to have Sister Jean Lenz, OSF as a mentor in the beginning of my ministry, and she introduced me to many of her friends who were Holy Cross priests. I was inspired to become more involved with those seeking a vocation in religious life, and shortly after arriving at Notre Dame, I became a part of the Holy Cross Priest Formation team. In this chapter of my life and in the ones that followed, I have been part of communities that value my gifts and strengths and have helped me to expand them. I thank the community of Holy Cross priests and brothers for their support and friendship over these past 22 years. They are one of the finest groups of people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. What impact do you feel you make on other people? I strive to form authentic connections with those around me, whether it’s with the Holy Cross priests, my residence hall staff, university administration, or the students in our hall. When people first meet me, they notice right away that I’m a “no-nonsense” individual. I have a very honest, assertive and straightforward demeanor – and few people have met a Sister who was a telephone installer and who rides a Harley Davidson! But I believe that everyone can see that

Father John Donato, CSC, Pastoral Resident in Fields Hall; Monique Martin, Resident Assistant and Sister Susan Bruno, Fields Hall Director

my strong personality is driven by the passion I have for my ministry and for those I serve. I take my work very seriously, and my dedication to our residents is at the heart of all I do. People recognize that I frame residence life as not just a job, but a ministry, and I believe this causes people to see their roles differently. One of my resident assistants told me that after working with me, she “tries to not just manage the women on her floor, but to minister to them.” It becomes a win-win situation for those on our staff and for the women we serve. Part of forming these authentic connections with others is being able to laugh and let loose. As committed as I am to my role, I’m also not afraid to have fun! Several nights a week, my staff and residents make themselves at home in my apartment to watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune together. And they’re not afraid to help themselves to what’s in my fridge – I’ve gone through more Gatorade, tea, coffee and Diet Coke than you would believe! I believe these casual and fun moments reflect how I help people (of all ages!) feel comfortable, safe and relaxed. I love seeing residents consider our hall as not just a hall but as a home – and in this ministry, you truly can’t do much better than that.

Annual outing of Resident Assistants and Residents of Fields Hall to the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island in Portland, Oregon

FALL 2015

The Associate Journey

Mi Casa, Su Casa

*The title is in Spanish and means My House Your House or more informally, Make Yourself at Home!

By: Ann and George Hunter

little over a year ago, Abel, an Ethiopian teenage refugee, sat at our dining room table telling us his story. Abel lost his mother when he was 8 years old and his father who got “in trouble with the government,” thought Abel had to go to a safer place. Through Facebook, Abel met another Ethiopian who happens to live in Maryland, close to where we live. At first, Abel stayed with him. His friend was 23 years old, working three days a week and going to school four days a week. They shared a rented room for seven months, with his friend providing an extra mattress, food and some clothes. Since Abel’s English was not good enough to get a job he couldn’t care for himself. A friend from our parish thought Abel might benefit from talking with us. Listening to his story we both knew we were being called to ministry again. At 72, we expected to be “too old” to be foster parents, but God does have a sense of humor. The Foster Care system accepted our petition. So now Ann is “Mommy” again (the name other countries call an older woman who helps them) and George is just George. George tutors Abel in English and he asks us to make corrections when he speaks incorrectly. One day, Ann suggested that on Sundays we would give him a break and not correct his grammar. “No, no, Mommy, I want to learn English every day,” he exclaimed! A former house guest, Mary, was a teenage school dropout. Her parents were both addicts and Mary began staying with friends a few weeks at a time until the friends’ parents would ask her to leave. We brought her into our home through foster care. We remember when Mary tried to get a social security card so she could work. She’d go to the Social Security office and they’d tell her there was a database problem and send her to the Immigration office. Immigration would tell her there was a database problem and send her back to Social Security. Finally George went with her, asked what kind of database problem it was. In two minutes she had her social security card. Mary not only got a job, she finished high school and went to college. She now has a master’s degree.

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George, Abel and Ann. Both Ann and George have been Associates since 2005.

Both of us came from families with a tradition of hospitality. So it was natural for us to choose this ministry, offering our home and sharing a spirit of love and compassion. Life is so unfair for some and we have been ridiculously fortunate. Through the past 35 years, we have housed 7 foster children, 5 adult family members and 4 other adults who “needed a place to stay.” Some stayed a long time, others a short time. One 16 month old boy was with us for two days and screamed and screamed, he had witnessed his mother murdering someone. A teenage boy stayed for 2.5 years. And Amy stayed a lifetime, we adopted her. When six year old Amy came into our lives, we consulted with our own three children and we agreed that she was to become a permanent part of our family. Amy was born to a 14 year old mother. She would bury her mother’s shoes in the yard so that she wouldn’t go to work and instead stay home with her. Her mom realized that she needed a parent herself and agreed to the adoption. Amy is now 43 years old, completed high school and works as an administrative assistant in an accounting firm. We asked ourselves many times why we felt called to offer a home to the homeless. It certainly isn’t the norm for middle income people to house strangers in their home. We decided we just aren’t people who live the norm, we’re norm-breakers. Isn’t that what Jesus was? We have been exceptionally blessed by our home guests. Note: The names of the children were changed to give them anonymity. Ann and George shared their story with Nancy Davis, Interim Director of Associates.

Remembering Our Associates Carole Deibel (July 24, 1937 – April 12, 2015) Carole (Rounds) Deibel was born in Elkins, West Virginia, and was raised by her grandparents who gave Carole a strong faith and belief system. At 15 years old, Carole reunited with her parents, three sisters and a brother, in Columbus, Ohio. At 18, she married her husband and “soul mate,” Don, and raised two remarkable children. They have four grandchildren. Carole’s familiarity with our Congregation began over 50 years ago, when she met Sister Carolita who taught her son in grade school. Sister Mary Ann Creely was also a good friend. Through these two Sisters, Carole met the Associates living in the Columbus area. In 2004, Carole decided to become an Associate herself and asked Sister Mary Olivieri to be her Companion Sister. When Sister Mary died, Sister Mary Berendt became her Companion Sister.

Mary Grace Sanderson (August 15, 1923 — April 24, 2015) With husband Tom (deceased), she raised five children: Edward, Jeanine, Diane, Deborah and Brian. She also had 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She was an Associate for 22 years. Mary Grace was an active member of the South Chicago Missio group and members remember her delightful and uplifting style. She became a member of the Secular Franciscans in 1990 and many came to her wake and funeral to celebrate her life. Her oldest son, Edward, described Mary Grace as “dedicated to the principles and teachings of St. Francis.” She was “an ultimate Catholic,” he said, who was “kind, loving and gentle and believed in the power of prayer. She touched everyone she encountered. She cherished each and everyone.”

Donzetta Baker (November 19, 1925 – May 27, 2015) Donzetta and her first husband, Tom Corbin, had three children: Cleo, Melody and Mark. Tom died of cancer in 1979, and she married Gene Paap in 1987, who died of a heart condition in 2005. Fondly, her third husband and friend since high school, Grover Baker, shares: “We had a wonderful nine years together.” Donzetta was the sixth longest living Associate, having made her commitment in 1980. She was also an active Secular Franciscan since 1978. She stayed connected with the Sisters at the Kankakee House of Prayer and with her Companion, Sister Helen Vahling. She was active in her parish, both as a Eucharistic Minister and Minister of Care.

Eileen Webb (November 4, 1924 – June 15, 2015) Eileen’s family of ten living children, 30 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren all came together to celebrate her life. “She was a very healthy woman,” said her daughter, Joyce. “All she ever had was a cold once in a while.” Then the past two years she suffered some memory loss, and one month before she died, she fell ill.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Packey, and a daughter, Meg. Eileen has been an Associate since 1993 and has been companioned by Sister Bernadette Sifferlin. She had many friends among the Sisters and enjoyed their company. Sister Bernadette said, “Her witness to her faith and her commitment to her family encourages and strengthens us as we live out our daily commitments.” Sister Albert Marie described her as “a committed, loyal and deeply spiritual woman.” She was dedicated to living within the spirit of St. Francis in peace, charity and justice.

FALL 2015

Joliet Franciscan Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) The Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) is a sub-committee of the Congregation’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPIC). ARC is made up of both Sisters and lay people.They are committed to responding to Racism by: • Education of Sisters, Associates and persons in our sponsored institutions • Promotion of opportunities to raise consciousness in the communities where we live and work • Development of collaborative relationships among persons of all races

ARC members: Helen Hester-Ross, Sister Albert Marie Papesh, Bernadette Tiapo, Sister Dorothy Kinsella, Sister Martha Kienzler, Sister Lois Prebil, Sister Juanita Ujcik. Not Pictured: Joe Burke, Terry Cottrell, Sister Teresinha M. Del’Acqua, Lucy Sanchez and Sister Therese Tusek.

A Commitment to Anti-Racism Considering matters of race in today’s world can evoke equal feelings of angst and fear as much as hope and optimism. The context for reflection on this sensitive issue is key. While some will say we have truly entered a “post-racial” era, others will firmly disagree by explaining that there has been no greater time to analyze and study race relations in our country. According to data gathered by the Pew Research Center, opinions on race relations among surveyed adults continues to diverge in a variety of directions depending on the subject and group studied. In a 2010 survey, 57% of whites reported that discrimination was a major Terry Cottrell, Ph.D. problem for blacks, for example. In 2013, 77% of blacks versus 48% of whites surveyed said that “a lot” still needed be done to improve racial equality in America. On the positive side, however, Pew also reports that the United States Congress is now more ethnically diverse than at any time in history with 20% of members belonging to some racial or ethnic minority. Also, surveyed adults of white, black and Hispanic heritage agree in high percentages that each group “gets along very well” with others who are different from themselves. Public questions about race relations and racism aside, the challenge for us all is to start now with an analysis of our own experiences with race in our homes, places of work, restaurants where we dine and even locations we visit while traveling. We are bombarded daily with racially-incensed news reporting in the popular media. Do these depictions, however, reflect where we are personally in our own local communities? Are we operating in environments where racism is present, and perhaps open and accepted? If so, this is where a movement toward anti-racism begins—in the heart of the individual.

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ARC Mission Statement

Mindful of the sin of racism and our call to dismantle it in our society, our anti-racism committee is working to raise consciousness and educate within our Congregation, among our Associates, in the institutions we sponsor and in the communities where we live and work.

Unfortunately, racism in today’s world is typically more shrouded in power and family structures than codified into laws and regulations. Racism hides in plain sight. Teaching young people about the dangers of racist thoughts and attitudes is more difficult, because they will not encounter a restroom that some are allowed to use and others are not. They will, however, see a video on YouTube where racist epithets are thrown mercilessly from one person to the next. They will listen to popular music on the internet with raciallycharged lyrics once thought of as obscene now often accepted as part of normalized dialect. The racism of the American 1960s is of a different flavor than the racism of 2015. An anti-racism stance, by institutions and their individual members, is a proactive step to shine daylight on the realities shown in the research demonstrating how individuals “feel” about race relations. Anti-racism seeks to minimize, if not eliminate, the occurrences of institutional and codified racist leanings in policies and behaviors before they begin. Anti-racism keeps us all more protected from the re-emergence of the world that so many fought to change for the benefit of all members of this planet. First, training on the history—the interaction between individuals and racially-charged historical events—is necessary to move people toward a historical acceptance of the past and the promise that antiracism can bring to the future. Next, dialogue between individuals is key to helping all involved understand the damage done by racist thoughts and deeds. John’s Gospel (7:24) lesson of “Judge not by appearances, but judge with right judgement” begins to take shape here as discussion helps to build authentic and intentional empathy between members of different cultures. Finally, reflection and joint prayer helps to solidify the new knowledge and understanding gained through candid conversation about the past and what is hap-

pening now across the racial landscape.

The popular media will continue to display any and all racial tension, sometimes with regard to positive outcomes, and sometimes completely ignoring any progress that has been made to combat racism since the beginning of Dr. Martin Luther King’s ministry. A commitment to anti-racism, however, begins within, and in concert, with faith that improvement in the relationship between all of God’s children, no matter what color, is certainly possible. Individuals committing to honestly analyzing their immediate circle of friends, family and coworkers and then standing against racist attitudes, mistreatment, isolation and speech is the start of an anti-racism movement. The movement takes shape one individual at a time. Dr. Terry Cottrell is Vice President for Operations and Information Technology at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, and is a member of the Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in Joliet, IL.

ANTI-RACISM COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES 2014-2015 Workshops Presented • Workshops to administrators, faculty, staff and students at the University of St. Francis. Workshop dates: 11/14/14, 1/31/15, 2/13/15, 2/28/15, 3/24/15, 3/31/15, 4/24/15, 6/23/15 working with Dr. Bernadette Tiapo, Ph.D., ARC Member and Director of the Office of Institutional Diversity at USF. • Workshop for the Social Justice Coalition of the Diocese of Joliet on October 16, 2014. • A Prayer Service at the Joliet Franciscan Center (JFC) in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 27, 2015. • A reflection on anti-racism at the JFC Prayer Breakfast on April 15, 2015.

Attended • RACE exhibit at the Holocaust Museum located in Skokie, Illinois, on 10/25/14: ARC members, Sisters Juanita Ujcik, Teresinha M. Del’Acqua and Lois Prebil. •MLK brunch at Presence St. Joseph: Helen Hester-Ross (committee) and Sister Lois Prebil • White Privilege Conference in Louisville, KY: March, 2015: Sisters Juanita Ujcik and Lois Prebil.

Additional Activities • Present a quote about anti-racism monthly in “Staying Connected.” • Connected with Mr. Dale Evans of Joliet civic community with hopes to collaborate. • Participated in Blue Stem Earth Festival on 5/30/15.

A dedicated and founding ARC member, Sister Dorothy Kinsella, passed to eternal life on September 14, 2015. We honor her by dedicating our presentations in her memory.

FALL 2015

At Journey’s End Sister Marilyn Jean (Jacinta) Franze, OSF July 17, 1932 - June 21, 2015

n Sunday morning, June 21, 2015, our sister, Marilyn, was enfolded by the radiant beauty of sunlight filtering through the window of her bedroom window. The stormy night of teeming rain, rolling thunder and crackling lightening had given way to an atmosphere of peace and calm. Her breathing slowed as did the beating of her generous and kind heart. As she made her transition from this life to eternal life, her long-awaited and beloved angels seemed to have made their presence known. Safely and securely, they led her into paradise to abide in the Heart of God. Born to her parents, Pearl Zimmerman and Charles Franze, on July 17, 1932, Marilyn was a “Joliet girl” from the very beginning of her eighty-two years of life. Taking delight in being the younger sister of her older brother, Charles, she knew she had a lifelong friend whom she could count on. Yet, important as family was for her throughout her childhood, as an eighth grader at St. John Parish School, Marilyn began to think about her future. Inspired by the Joliet Franciscan Sisters who were her teachers, and encouraged in her Franciscan aspirations by Fr. Conan Mitchell, O.F.M. (1915-2009), Marilyn enrolled at St. Francis Academy, where she studied for three years before entering the Congregation as a postulant on September 4, 1950. She was received into the novitiate on August 12, 1951, and given her religious name, Sister M. Jacinta. Two years later, with a joyful heart, she made her first profession of vows and in 1956 she made her final profession as a Sister of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. Dedicating herself to the care of others, Sr. Marilyn ministered to her Sisters as well as to the people they served in Alabama, Illinois and Ohio. Legendary for her efforts and energies in the culinary arts, she was a welcomed contributor to the quality of life of those around her. Always endeavoring to see Jesus in each and every person she met, she was truly a Gospel woman who never tired of living out the call of discipleship as expressed in Matthew’s Gospel: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me...” (25:35-40). An exemplar of Franciscan hospitality, she had a magnetic way of drawing others in, of making each person feel at home, of letting everyone know that someone cared, of assuring all those who came into her presence that they were special and, moreover, worthy of her time and energy.

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Though often in physical pain and discomfort, she rarely let on that it wasn’t a good day. As long as there were treats to be shared and people to be nourished – in body and spirit, Sr. Marilyn could be counted upon to deliver a heartfelt welcome and a snack that satisfied, along with her total attention and personal interest. Even in her final days, surrounded by those who loved her, she shared her affection and gratitude with the same kind of care and concern as though she were offering coffee and cake in her famous D-1 kitchenette. In January of 1962, when Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home first opened its doors, Sr. Marilyn was there. An ambassador of kindness and solicitude, her legacy of love for the Sisters, residents, visitors and workers of OLA spanned more than fifty years. A mentor and friend to the people who worked in food services and house-keeping, a companion and care-giver for residents, a friendly Franciscan Sister who made a point of putting visitors at ease — everyone from toddlers to senior citizens — Sr. Marilyn embodied the best of OLA and the best of the Sisters of St. Francis. Recognized by the President of the United States and the Governor of the State of Illinois for her amazing record of over 8,000 hours of volunteer service, Sr. Marilyn held her accomplishment modestly and quietly. Impelled by the love of Christ (II Cor 5:14), Sr. Marilyn never tired of sharing with others that the meaning of her Franciscan religious life was to be found “in serving others graciously, whole-heartedly and generously.” So it was that she began, and so it was that she persevered - all the days of her life. Alleluia! Alleluia!

At Journey’s End

Sister Pauline Ann (Isabelle) Furiel, OSF June 26, 1921 - July 29, 2015

s afternoon gave way to evening on July 29, 2015, Sister Moon was rising gently in the east as Brother Sun was setting slowly in the west. Amidst this splendor of God’s wondrous creation, Sister Death awaited the final beat of the musical heart of our Sister Pauline Ann. And so, with its closing measures, the beautiful song that was her life came to a conclusion. Though the suddenness and seeming swiftness of her earthly departure remains a mystery to the many loved ones she left behind, to know Pauline Ann is to know how firmly she believed herself to be held securely in the palm of God’s hand. Born on Sunday, June 26, 1921, Pauline Ann was welcomed into this world by her loving parents, Olga (Hermann) and Thomas Furiel. As a child, growing up on the east side of Joliet, Illinois, she was a natural when it came to being a “big sister” in a family of eight. From an early age, she was adept at the performing arts and excelled in crafts and handiwork. Nothing gave her greater joy than helping others to discover and cultivate their own God-given creative potential. As a parishioner and student at Saints Cyril & Methodius and St. Mary Magdalene, and later as a student at Providence High School and Saint Francis Academy, Pauline Ann was single-hearted about her love of God, her love of family and friends, and her love of music. At the age of fifteen, Pauline Ann entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate as a postulant. (Little did she know at the time that, within a matter of years, her sisters Anna Marie and Verna would be joining her for the rest of their lives!). Less than fifteen minutes from home, life within the convent walls was its own reality set apart from the world. Nine months later, on August 12, 1937, she became a novice and received the name Sister Mary Isabelle. Professing her first vows on August 12, 1939, she returned to Saint Francis Academy to complete high school, and the following year she began her undergraduate studies at the College of St. Francis. To no one’s surprise she majored in music and over time expanded her knowledge of history, theory, composition, conducting and performance. On August 12, 1942, she professed her final vows and set off for St. Peter Parish in Mansfield, Ohio. There she found the ministerial groove that would characterize the next six decades of her life as a Franciscan - a combination of classroom music teacher, private instructor, parish organist, choir director and a true improvisationist when it came to

congregation service, food service, library service, volunteer service and a final decade of special service. A lifelong aficionado of jazz, Sister Pauline Ann was moved and inspired by its multiple origins and forms. From ragtime to reggae, from rhythm and blues to bluegrass, from Dixieland to rock and roll, she found God’s animating spirit at work in the music of diverse peoples and cultures, but more importantly, she recognized the work of the Spirit in and through their lives. Indeed, for Sister Pauline Ann, improvisation was not merely a style of playing music, but a way of living life in the midst of hopes and dreams, anxieties and struggles, expectations and disappointments, ups and downs, successes and failures, possibilities and limitations. For her, the goal of the Gospel life was not perfection, but goodness as expressed in reverence, appreciation and affection for others. Fondly remembered by all those who were touched and influenced by her unforgettable Franciscan presence and the light-hearted flamboyance that endeared her to many, Sister Pauline Ann endeavored to embody the harmony of goodness. She never ceased to be a reminder of the words from our Constitutions that read: “Who we are as apostolic persons is as important as what we do.” These were her favorite words and there is no mistaking that she lived them “heart and soul.” In gratitude for the life and witness of our Sister Pauline Ann, let us sing: Alleluia! Alleluia!

FALL 2015

At Journey’s End

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Sister Rosemary (Vita) Winter, OSF February 14, 1940 - July 30, 2015

have seen heaven. I am not afraid. I am ready!” These words of Sister Rosemary Winter have been spoken by her many times over the years since her neardeath experience in 1991. Early in the morning of July 30, 2015, the Lord came for her a second time and took his beloved to Himself. Born on February 14, 1940, Rosemary was the anniversary gift to her parents, Albert and Mabel Winter. Her grandmother had predicted Rosemary’s birth and had told her mother to name the girl she was going to have “Rose.” Rosemary entered the family as the 6th living child. She had four other siblings who would live through childhood after her. This made Rosemary a “middle child” but her brothers and sisters preferred to call her the heart of the family. Many times they told her that she was the glue that held the family together. Rosemary was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish (Darby) in Toledo, Ohio, and attended the parish grade school. As a child in the fifth grade, she told her mother that she wanted to become a Sister. Her mother took her to the Ursuline Convent to meet some of her teachers, choosing one as her mentor. In 1954 the eighth grade teacher took some of the girls to Joliet, to see the Motherhouse and to spend a couple of days at the Prep. When Rosemary returned home, she informed her mother that she did not want to be an Ursuline. She wanted to be a Joliet Franciscan. Her mother told her that they would have to go to the Ursuline convent and inform the Sisters of her new choice. This event influenced Rosemary’s life in such a way that she was never afraid to confront issues that needed to be addressed. Rosemary was blessed with a faith in her God so that she trusted that anything she asked God for she would receive. Her prayer was always, “God you know I need this and I know you will get it for me. I am thanking you now for it.” And she would receive it. Rosemary went to the Prep in September, 1954, and entered St. Francis Convent on September 8, 1957. On August 13, 1958, she became a novice and was given the name of Sister M. Vita, in memory of one of the Joliet Franciscans who had influenced her life. In September, 1961, she began her ministry in the field of education as first grade teacher at St. Clement’s, Chicago, Illinois. She was a born teacher. She loved the children so much and wanted them all to succeed. It wasn’t long before Sister Rosemary’s ministry of educa-

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tion became one of ministry to the poor, the underprivileged. Her ministry might have been listed as education, but it was more. She felt a oneness with each person she met; her ministry became more of a ministry of presence. She never traveled by bus or train without making a new friend. She enjoyed shopping but instead of going from store to store, she would find a bench to sit on and wait till the others had done their shopping. When her companions would return to the bench to take her home, they would find her talking with someone, listening to their life story and offering advice or the promise of prayers. Some of these people kept in touch with her. During the week before she died, she received flowers from one man whom she had befriended as a young boy of 8 years old when he was traveling to stay with his father during the summer after his parents had separated. Eventually, Rosemary saw that she would not be able to continue teaching. Her eyesight was failing rapidly. Looking for a new ministry, she participated in a month-long ministry discernment workshop and arrived at the conclusion that her ministry should be one of “Sister Sunshine.” She returned to Joliet to minister to her Sisters at Our Lady of Angels. Many Sisters welcomed her visits as life-giving and enjoyed her stories. She always made sure she had a joke to tell everyone, a new one each day. When a Sister expressed a fear of dying, Rosemary would share the story of her own experience of 1991. This brought many of them to the peace they desired and they were ready to make the journey without fear. Many lives have been touched through Sister Rosemary’s simple faith, her love of creation, her singing, her sharing of her gifts, especially the gift of her friendship. Her inability to see was a physical detriment but it never stopped her from enjoying life and seeing the good in others. Her affirmation of others can never be forgotten. We share in her joy now as she “sees” the God who loved her. Alleluia! Alleluia!

At Journey’s End

Sister Julie Ann (Bertha Ann) Borer, OSF March 1, 1926 - August 12, 2015

fter a lifetime of beginning her day in the wee hours of the morning, long before those for whom she cared were up and moving, it came as no surprise that our Sister, Julie Ann, should respond to God’s eternal call at 3:30 a.m. And so it was that on August 12, 2015, the anniversary date of her three religious commitments and the former feast of St. Clare, she peacefully embodied her final “here I am,” and passed quietly into eternal life, tenderly comforted by her faithful companions and surrounded by a circle of love. A Nebraska native, Julie Ann was born to Bertha (Biermann) and Phillip Borer on March 1, 1926. One of twelve children, she grew up amidst the many joys and challenges of family life in rural America. She loved the land and the wonders of creation. From an early age, she learned that the fruits of every harvest are the result of equal measures of hard work, humor, patience, sacrifice, prayer and blessing. Inspired by the Gospel and nurtured in faith by her family, Julie Ann was drawn to religious life and affirmed in her vocational choice by the parish community of St. John the Baptist. As World War II came to an end, she followed the call to become a Franciscan. Making the journey from Petersburg, Nebraska, to Joliet, Illinois, she became the next candidate in a long line of Nebraska vocations dating back to the 1870s. On September 4, 1945, Julie Ann entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate as a postulant. A year later, on August 12, 1946, she was received into the novitiate and given the religious name Sr. Bertha Ann. By her own account, she made repeated appeals to Reverend Mother Thomasine, begging for permission to cook rather than to teach. Finally, Sr. Bertha Ann’s wish was granted. Professing her first vows on August 12, 1948, she was missioned to be the cook and housekeeper at Our Lady of Mercy in Granville, Ohio, a special ministry that the congregation had assumed to care for vulnerable and at risk girls. Professing her final vows on August 12, 1951, she continued to find satisfaction in caring for the everyday needs of her sisters at various missions in Ohio and Illinois. With wisdom and understanding, she observed the ebb and flow of community life and ministry. Intuitively, she knew the restorative powers of freshly baked breads and other culinary delights! When it came to mentoring others in the arts of cooking, baking, home-making and care-giving, In the mid-1970s, after pursuing studies in culinary arts, she was

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missioned to Nebraska to carry on her ministries of service in a variety of institutional settings. This move also afforded her the opportunity to provide home health care for her mother as well as other elders in need of assistance and companionship. Inclined to preach the Gospel more by example than by words, Sr. Julie Ann valued good stewardship, reliability, purposefulness and simplicity. In her well-worn book of personal recipes, she devoted the first three pages to several points of practical wisdom that delineated her special recipe for living religious life. It began with the words: “Risk comes with the territory.” Always and forever a farmer’s daughter, Sr. Julie Ann intimately knew that to plant a seed always involved taking a chance on life - with all of its vulnerability and resiliency. Perhaps, for this reason she was particularly skilled when it came to offering the weary and discouraged a message of hope: “Remember that you are okay ... and on your way to being even better.” A cornhusker through and through, Sr. Julie Ann had an enduring affection for the heartland she called home - and for her favorite Nebraska teams. Similarly, as a Joliet Franciscan, she had a deep love for the community of Sisters she called her own and an unwavering commitment “to serving God and serving good food.” As a disciple of Jesus and a baker of bread, she created the conditions for others to become companions on the journey and, in the process, to discover the sacred and enduring connection between daily bread and the Bread of Life. With gratitude and joy for Sr. Julie Ann’s life and legacy, we say: “Alleluia, Alleluia.”

FALL 2015

At Journey’s End

Sister Dorothy Kinsella, OSF August 25, 1934 - September 14, 2015

ver attentive and sensitive to the realities of life, our sister, Dorothy Kinsella, never tired of reading the Word in the world. With confidence in God’s power to do more than she could ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20), she embraced the call to discipleship and dared to follow in the uncharted way of Jesus, without hesitation, without looking back, trusting the process and believing that “there is a Force of love moving through the universe that holds us fast and will never let us go” (Julian of Norwich). So it was that she lived, and so it was on September 14, 2015, the feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross, that she passed peacefully from this life into Eternal Life. Born on August 25, 1934, Dorothy was welcomed lovingly into this world by her parents Margaret (O’Grady) and John A. Kinsella. Together with her brother Daniel Patrick and her sister Patricia, she was raised in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago where participation in the vibrant and faithfilled community of St. Clement Parish was at the heart of her family’s life. From an early age, Dorothy’s love of learning was fostered in the parish’s elementary school and high school. It was during those formative years that she first came to know and love the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate who were her teachers and sources of inspiration. Petite, yet spirited, Dorothy was blessed with intelligence, creativity, curiosity and an enchanting Irish wit. Informed by her family’s own immigrant heritage and influenced by her Chicagoland upbringing, her passion for history came naturally as did her political astuteness and social consciousness. Moving from adolescence into young adulthood, Dorothy summoned the courage to share with her parents her desire to enter religious life. While readily supporting their daughter’s choice of vocation, her father reserved to himself the choice of congregation: “Dorothy,” he said, “It has to be with “our” sisters!” Dorothy agreed completely and soon embarked on her journey of sixty three years as a Joliet Franciscan. On September 2, 1952, Dorothy arrived in Joliet and was welcomed into the postulancy together with a most diverse group of classmates. A year later, on August 13, 1953, she was received into the novitiate and given the name, Sr. John Margaret. Two years later, on August 12, 1955, she made her first profession of vows and immediately found herself missioned to Ohio. Ready, willing and able, she proceeded to set a record for versatility in teaching. Over a span of thirteen years, she taught more subjects and more grade levels than most would have thought possible. From elementary school to high school to college, she had a distinctive capacity to ed-

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ucate, to draw out from others - regardless of age - that which lies within and, in doing so, to create the conditions necessary for becoming agents of their own histories. In the fall of 1968, building upon the foundations of her own undergraduate studies in history at the College of St. Francis, Sr. Dorothy went on to pursue advanced graduate studies in American History at St. Louis University. Completing her doctorate in 1971, she returned to her alma mater, where she taught until 1975, at which time God’s holy manner of working set forth before her a new and unprecedented course of action for stewarding her many gifts and talents during a time of renewal and revolution in the Church and in society. In 1975, Sr. Dorothy moved to Washington, D.C., where she became a staff member of NETWORK, a prominent religious lobby in the nation’s capital. A formidable forerunner to “Nuns on the Bus,” she joined with other women religious in a ministry devoted to advocacy, education and public policy related to multi-faceted and inter-connected issues of peace and justice. Returning to Joliet in 1980, she served as a member and assistant to the Central Administration of the Congregation for four years. Reading the signs of the times in the Joliet area and firmly rooted in an experiential belief that “life is always possible, reinvented,” Sr. Dorothy committed herself “to creating something where there had been nothing” for victims of domestic violence and abuse. Trained in Spiritual Direction, she also devoted herself to parish ministries of religious education and adult faith formation as well as diverse ministries of justice, peace and the integrity of creation sponsored by the Joliet Franciscans. An example of what it means to be a Gospel woman, Sr. Dorothy gave voice and visibility to her Franciscan identity as a contemplative in action, a peace-maker and an unrelenting reconciler. In joyful gratitude for her legacy of justice and love, gentle and wise (Matt 10:16), let us say: Alleluia, alleluia!

Mark Your Calendars Prayer Evenings

The Joliet Franciscan Sisters and Associates invite you to join them for an evening of prayer and reflection on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Prayer Evenings are held at the Joliet Franciscan Center, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet at 7:00 PM. For additional information, please call 815-725-8735.

Prayer Breakfasts

Join us for our next Advent Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at 7:00 AM. The morning begins with prayer and includes an inspirational talk and breakfast. Our Prayer Breakfasts are for both men and women. Our speaker will be Sister Rose Marie Surwilo. Reservations are requested. Prayer Breakfasts are held at the Joliet Franciscan Center, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet. The suggested donation is $10.00. For more information, please call 815-725-8735, x116. Watch for our 2016 dates!

Thank you! We would like to thank all who attended our events over this past year. Stay tuned for our 2016 dates which will be forthcoming. Please look on our website: www.jolietfranciscans.org for more information.

Thank you to all who made donations in honor of our 150th anniversary year. We are grateful for your support. If you would still like to make a donation, please use the attached envelope.

SIGN UP FOR E-NEWS! Do you want to hear more about the Sisters? We send updates on the Joliet Franciscans through our E-News. If you would like to be added to our list, send your name and email address to Nan Nagl, Director of Mission Advancement: nnagl@jolietfranciscans.org. You may also sign up through our website homepage at www.jolietfranciscans.org

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Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet, IL

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FALL 2015

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2015 Jubilarians and their Coordinators

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