Confianca Magazine Winter 2010 - 2011

Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate

confianรงa a Portuguese word meaning faith and trust.

Happy 100th Birthday Sr. Mary Tikva!

WINTER 2011 / 2012

A welcome from Sister Mary Rose Dear Friends, Welcome to the Winter issue of Confiança. May your New Year be filled with God’s abundant blessings.

In this issue, you will learn about some of our oldest Sisters. Sister Mary Wilhelmine Tikva, who graces our cover, celebrated her 100th birthday a few months ago. But we also have Sisters who are in the 90s and remain very active in ministry. They were happy to share their stories with Lucy Sanchez, Communications Director. Some even shared a list of goals still to be accomplished – a Franciscan Sisters’ “bucket list” if you will!

I am thrilled to share with you the exciting news about a new mission for us. At the end of January, Irmã (Sister) Teresinha Mendonça del’Acqua and Irmã Maria Aparecida Teleproto, both currently serving in Brazil, will begin a short-term missionary experience in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic working with the poorest of the poor of the area. This will be a partnership with the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters who have already been ministering to the people of the area. Sisters Teresinha and Cida have backgrounds and experience in health care, human service, counseling, spiritual direction, education and pastoral ministry. At the end of March, we will assess what we have learned in the first two months with the hope of making a longterm commitment to the people of Santo Domingo. Please keep our Sisters in your prayers. If you are able to provide some financial assistance for this project, it would be greatly appreciated.

April brings our 2012 General Chapter, the theme being “Renew, Rebuild, Rebirth.” Every four years, our Congregation meets for a period of time when we not only pray together, but also discern, discuss and decide about our future and how we can best move forward to meet the needs of the times and to further the Kingdom of God. It is a significant and sacred time for us.

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Confiança is a publication of the INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate 1433 Essington Road Joliet, Illinois 60435 Phone: (815)725-8735 www.jolietfranciscans.org

Editor - Lucy Sanchez Director of Communication Layout and Design - Lucy Sanchez Copy Editor - Sr. Carlene Howell, OSF

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.

Celebrating Life!

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Associate Corner

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Franciscan Spirituality

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22nd Autumn Feast

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At Journey’s End

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Mark Your Calendars

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On the Cover: Sister Mary Wilhelmine Tikva, OSF celebrates her 100th birthday with a beautiful cake at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet. © 2012, Sisters of St. Francis

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Advancing the Mission Hello Everyone!

We are still receiving contributions to our 2011 Christmas Appeal. Thank you for your wonderful response. We know you have many requests for your charitable dollars, especially during the Christmas season. So we appreciate your remembering the Sisters.

In this issue you will read about the 22nd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast, which took place in October. This annual event, which benefited the 2012 General Chapter, raised more than last year. We are grateful to all who supported the Feast.

Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast taking place on Sunday, October 28th.

You probably read in Sister Mary Rose’s welcome letter about the Congregation’s new mission in Santo Domingo. This is an exciting time not just for Sisters Cida and Teresinha, but for the entire Congregation, as well. Through gifts from friends and our Sisters, we have been able to fund the short-term portion of this new ministry. I have every bit of confidence that this will become a long-term commitment to the people of Santo Domingo and ask that you consider making a donation to this ministry in whatever way you can.

In 2011, the Congregation was the recipient of a number of estate gifts. Many times we are aware that someone has made provisions for the Sisters in their wills. They are members of the Canticle of the Future, the congregation’s planned giving society. Please consider joining this group. In doing so, you

will help to secure the current and future ministries of the Sisters. For the list of Canticle of the Future members, please visit our website.

Nan Nagl Director of Mission Advancement You might consider remembering the Sisters in your will or as a beneficiary of either an insurance policy or an IRA. Please contact Sister Suzanne Lesniewski in the Mission Advancement office at 815-725-8735 for more information on planned giving.

Before we get too far into 2012, I want to thank all of you who remembered the Sisters in some way last year. You might not think so, but you truly make a difference not only in their lives, but also in the lives of those to whom they minister. Please continue your financial support this year in whatever way you can. You are in the prayers of all of the Sisters in the United States, Brazil and the Dominican Republic.

Please also keep them in yours.

Until next time, enjoy the miracles that each new day brings.

The Chapter Planning and Agenda Committee (CPAC) has been working for almost a year and is responsible for the many elements that go into making Chapter an enriching and spiritual time for all participants. During this time leading up to the General Chapter, every Sister and Associate has been invited to enter into an extended time of prayer, sacrifice and fasting for the success of our Chapter preparations and deliberations.

We request your prayers, too, in this year leading up to the General Chapter. And, if you are able, we also ask that you consider a contribution to help underwrite Chapter costs, such as travel, lodging, food, and printed material. Your support will help make the success of this very important Chapter possible.

I cannot close this letter of welcome without thanking you for your presence in our lives. All of the Sisters appreciate the spiritual and financial support that you provided not only in 2011, but all through the years.

Your kindness helps us to minister to the people of God as He has called us to do. You and yours are fondly remembered in our daily prayers.

Peace and all good,

Sister Mary Rose Lieb, osf President and General Superior

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Celebrate Life!

Lucy Sanchez Director of Communications

I was present when Sister Mary Wilhelmine Tikva recently celebrated W hher 100th birthday at Our Lady of A Angels Retirement Home. It was a vvery special birthday party held in her hhonor to commemorate this wonderful eevent. Sister Mary was extremely hhappy and she enjoyed the special aattention showered upon her. There w were balloons, streamers and music aand she even danced a number of ppolkas! The highlight was when the bbeautiful cake made in her honor was brought in. Even though it was candlefree, she enjoyed cutting it!

Sr. Mary is not the first Joliet Franciscan Sister to reach the age of 100. In 1999, Sister Cassilda McMahon became the first Sister in the congregation’s history to mark this milestone. The congregation had already been in existence for 134 years at the time she celebrated her centennial birthday. Even though her birthday was officially on August 7, a special Mass was celebrated on August 1, 1999, because the Sisters were gathered in Joliet for their annual meeting. Exactly 100 Sisters, of the over 250 Sisters present that day, circled the back of the chapel at OLA with 100 lit candles in honor of Sr. Casey’s 100 years of life. You can imagine what a spectacular site this must have been. After singing “Happy Birthday,” another song soon followed called “You Can Change the World,” one of Sr. Cassilda’s own original compositions. I was told there was not a dry eye in the Chapel.

Unfortunately, just a few days later, on August 17, Sr. Cassilda died of heart failure. She was laid to rest having been a member of the Congregation for over 82 years. She has the honor of being the first Joliet Franciscan Sister to reach 100 years of age!

In 2002, three more Sisters would also celebrate their centennial birthdays. On January 18, Sister Joan Preising became the second centennial celebrant of the congregation. A remarkable woman in her time, Sister Joan was a distinguished chemist who spent over 55 years teaching science. Most students would remember her as a chemistry professor at the College of St. Francis; however, even after leaving the educational system, she would go on to tutor the inmates at the Center for Correctional Concerns at the jail in Joliet, IL. She died on October 22, 2007, having lived 105 years, 83 of which were spent as a member of the Congregation. Next came Sr. Nicolette Galik who celebrated her 100th birthday on September 19, 2002. Sr. Nicolette spent seven decades in a career in education, beginning in 1922. She died on February 12, 2005, at the age of 102. Sister Amadea Sabol would also celebrate her 100th birthday that same year on December 8. Sister Amadea died just about a month later, on January 13, 2003, after having ministered as an educator and musician in Catholic schools for over 50 years.

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Our next centennial celebrant was Sister Rita Marie Grejczik who turned 100 on December 14, 2004. As a poet and an educator, Sister Rita spent 62 years in an educational setting. She dedicated her life fully to God, saying her fondest memory was of her profession day. Next came Sister Angela Marie (Diomede) Kostelec who celebrated her centennial birthday on May 6, 2008.

She is our last deceased centennial celebrant. Sister Angela Marie loved children and spent many years teaching 2nd to 5th graders.

Her most cherished ministry was at Guardian Angel Home. She said, “At Guardian Angel Home, I learned to love and serve the children. I loved every class I ever taught and am always deeply touched when former students remember the old days – and me!”

Sr. Angela Marie died shortly after celebrating her 101st birthday.

Most of us know that many of us may never reach our 100th birthday.

So, both Sr. Marian Voelker, our Congregation Archivist, who knows a lot about our elderly sisters, and I went to Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home to visit our Sisters who are 90 years of age and older. I In 2008. Sister Kathleen Kirk, Sister Marithought this might arthur Hamann and Sister Mary Franz be a great occasion celebrated their 75th jubilee. to sit and listen to their stories. Prepared with three questions, I asked each sister the following: Who influenced their calling to the religious life and in particular to our Congregation; which of their ministries did they cherish the most; and finally, what was on their “bucket list.” Although not many of these sisters knew what a “bucket list” was, once I explained to them what it meant, the answers flew spontaneously!

The T first visits were to our 95 year y olds. We met both Sr. Mariarthur Hamann and Sr. M Kathleen (Willynne) Kirk K at a OLA. Both of these Sisters attended St. Pascal’s S grade school in Chicago. Sr. g Sr. Mariarthur Mariarthur stated that it M Sr. Kathleen Hamann Kirk was her teachers (of our same congregation) who had influenced her calling to religious life, while Sr. Kathleen said that it was her musician parents who had fostered her calling, as they were very religious. Sr. Mariarthur didn’t have a particular favorite ministry, but she loved working in administration and teaching 8th grade. Sr. Kathleen was a musician all of her life, and proudly added, “I have been in my favorite ministry throughout

my entire life!” Neither had a specific item on her bucket list.

Sr. Mariarthur happily added, “probably more of the same!”

Sr. Kathleen said she would like to travel more. She fondly remembered the year she spent teaching music at the University of San Carlos in the Philippines in 1969.

S Sr. Mary (Ursuline) Franz, also aged 95, iis the oldest member in rank of profession iin the congregation. She presently lives in ccommunity at Guardian Angel Home. She sspends two days a week at OLA visiting w with the retired sisters there and sees her m ministry as one of listening and sharing.

Sr. Mary had two aunts who entered the S S r M ary Sr. Mary Rochester Franciscan Community and who Franz influenced her calling to religious life, although she said it was also her father’s example of going to Mass and praying that really made an impact on her decision to enter. Sr. Mary was an algebra and geometry teacher for many years at St. Francis Academy and a biology professor at the College of St. Francis before “retiring” to then teach RCIA. But it was her second career, that of pastoral ministry, which she cherished the most. Up until her move to Joliet, Sr. Mary could be found leading prayer and scripture reading at the senior living community in Columbus, Ohio where she lived.

Her bucket list included learning to type better and to play the violin.

At the “young“ age of 94, Sr. Marie (Conradine) Schramko continues to work as a member of the administration at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She sent me her responses by email!

She arrived at Cardinal Gibbons to establish the school in 1961 and has remained there Sr. Marie ever since. Her favorite ministry is teaching Schramko of course, something she has done since 1938. When I asked the question about her bucket list, Sr. Marie responded, “I love what I’m doing and I appreciate the opportunities I have been granted over the years.”

Sr. Martin Hornak, also 94, is as inspirational S aas the other Sisters I spoke with. She ttalked about her childhood and smiled mischievously while mentioning her two m cclassmates who nudged her to ask questions aabout religious life to their teacher, Sr. Clarine, while they were in grade school C at Sacred Heart in Chicago. She said, “I a Sr. Martin did it more for them than for me!” She Hornak does claim, however, that it was the love and influence of these same teachers that brought her to this congregation. Always teaching younger children, her favorite ministry was the time she spent with them. She enjoyed every place she was assigned to because it always made her feel at home. Her bucket list consists of more time for personal prayer, since she was always so busy in her ministry as a younger sister.

Knowing Sr. Martin personally, I know she’s been praying for every person and every intention that comes her way.

O 93 year olds are Sr. Johanna Didier, Our S Loretta Wagner and Sr. Judith Kurry. I Sr. v visited first with Sr. Johanna, who, after s spending 43 years ministering in Brazil, has returned to Joliet and is now living at OLA. r H sister, Sr. Peter Didier, also resides here.

Her S Johanna remembers that at 6 years of Sr. a when she was in the hospital, a nurse age, Sr. Johanna who was also a religious sister took care Didier of her. She knew at that tender age that she wanted to become a Sister because she loved God with all of her heart. Her favorite ministry will always be the work she did in Brazil. Sr. Johanna doesn’t believe there is anything she’d like to add to her bucket list because she was blessed with working with the people of Brazil. Sr. Johanna is looking forward to celebrating her 75th jubilee in June.

Sr. Loretta (Miriam Edward) Wagner said the Franciscan Sisters at St. Pascal’s were the major influence in her life to become a religious sister. She remembers the Sisters lived with such joy and they were wonderful to her throughout grammar school. Sr. Loretta ministered as a nurse for 60 years.

She told me that another Sister was supposed Sr. Loretta Wagner to go to nursing school, but because she became ill, Sr. Loretta was sent in her place. “It was one of the happiest moments in my life!” claims Sr. Loretta, as the Joliet Franciscans were a teaching community and not nursing. “I got to do the two things I most loved, being a Sister and a nurse.” She subsequently became a nurse and even became the nursing supervisor at Resurrection Hospital in Chicago. She has always done what God has wanted and was happy doing it.

Sr. Judith Kurry

At 93, Sr. Judith Kurry continues to be active A iin her ministry. She has spent the last 32 yyears working at the Franciscan Learning Center where she continues to help at least C tthree days a week. The Sisters at Saints Peter aand Paul in Chicago influenced her calling to rreligious life, and like the others in her age ggroup, her bucket list is also empty as she has done what she has wanted to do – live happy and be of service.

Sr. Anne Flaska is the only 92 year old I interviewed. Up until recently, Sr. Anne continued to tutor young children, but had to scale back because of health issues. Sr. Anne also had a sister in the congregation, Sr. Cyrinus, who died in 1984. Sr. Anne’s sister, Sr. Cyrinus and their parents were a great influence on her to enter the Sr. Anne Flaska congregation. Her favorite ministry was always teaching, especially first grade, and she fondly remembers the 20 years she spent tutoring at the public school. Her bucket list would probably include taking

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additional courses in special education and in the Montessori methods as that has always been her preferred interest.

At A 91 years old, Sr. Rose (Nepomucene) Spatny will also be a 75th jubilarian in S JJune. She said that as a child she always ffelt that she would become a religious sister ““and it came true!” Her favorite ministry was being a supervisor at Guardian Angel w Home when it was an orphanage. “I had H all boys, and I was like a house mother to a Sr. Rose Spatny them.” When I mentioned her bucket list, she impishly grinned and said, “Skydiving of course!” she then became serious and said that if she could, she would have liked to make all of those boys at GAH’s dreams come true. Many were sad because they had families and were not all orphans. Some could not live with their families because of financial hardship. Sr. Rose will celebrate her 75th jubilee in June.

The last group at OLA consisted of four sisters who are 90 year old: Sisters Margaret Ann Zimmerman, Peter Didier, Pauline Ann Furiel, and Therese Greaney. Sister Margaret Ann Zimmerman, a musician, was the first one I interviewed. She met the Sisters while studying music in College. She Sr. Margaret Ann loved the hospitality given to her by Sr. Zimmerman Raphael, Sr. Rita Clare and Sr. Beatrice who cemented her vocation to the Joliet Franciscans, although she was also taught by the Holy Cross sisters in High School. Sr. Margaret’s favorite ministry was the time spent at Marybrook Academy, which was a home for girls who were wards of the state. She also recalled the time spent playing music at the different parishes while teaching. When asked about her bucket list, she said, “I wish I could learn to swim; I never did, because I was always afraid of the water!”

Sister Peter Didier is the third of the four S Didier sisters who entered this Congregation, D aalthough she credits another Franciscan Sister, Sr. Mary Paul Korman, as the Sister S who influenced her calling to religious w llife. Sr. Peter ministered as a nurse for 45 yyears, spending many of those years as the Director of Nursing at OLA before retiring.

D Sr. Peter She happily remembers when OLA was S Didier being built, not thinking that she would become a resident here years later. She said she has always been happy being a nurse and is satisfied with the work she has done all of her life.

Sister Mary Wilhelmine Tikva loved every minute of her 100th birthday, which included wearing a tiara and holding a scepter.

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Sr. Therese (Denis) Greaney never thought that she’d become a Sister. She went to public school and didn’t have Sisters as teachers. However, she did have two friends who, on their way home from school, would stop in the Church and say a couple of prayers as they rested in the pews. Years later, one of these friends actually joined the Sr. Therese Greaney Joliet Franciscans, thus making her interest in the Congregation grow. She asked her friend’s mother if she would assist her in sending her application to the Joliet Franciscan Sisters, and the “rest is history.” Sr. Therese was a teacher for over fifty years. However, her favorite ministry was her second career, being a senior companion for the elderly with Catholic Charities. “I spent many days just listening, although there were times I helped a little with the cleaning as well.”

I caught up with Sr. Pauline Ann (Isabel) at the Joliet Franciscan Center offices. She is very lively, busy and mobile! She, along with three of her biological sisters, joined the congregation, although one sister left before making vows. She credits her aunt who was a Benedictine Sister with fostering Sr. P Pauline Ann S Sr auline line A nn her religious vocation. Sr. Pauline Ann Furiel has always had a ministry in music. She continues to play the organ at Mass at OLA. Her favorite ministry was being in charge of the parish choirs. For items on her bucket list, she would like to drive a semi trailer truck, play golf and continue to travel. She recently returned from a trip to California to visit family and friends. She will also celebrate her 75th jubilee in June.

As my visits concluded, I contemplated how much these joyful and faith-filled women were so alike. Each of these sisters had wonderful stories to share. It was a privilege to visit with them and to be able to take just a little of their history with me. I do hope we will be able to celebrate all of their 100th birthdays; however, I know that should some not be here to have a party on that special day, I am grateful that we will be able to celebrate their lives each and every day.

Associates Corner By: Rose Stalla I have been a Joliet Franciscan Associate since March of 1987. My companion sister is Sr. Kathleen Rossman, my wonderful cousin. We have marathon talks when we connect. She changed my life from black and white to a lovely shade of gray. I stopped judging others and learned to enjoy our differences. So very Franciscan!

Years ago, we used to “swap” lives. I would come to stay at Guardian Angel Home and Kathie would stay at my home with my seven young children. Viewing the differences in our chosen vocations was always insightful and usually amusing. She would make breakfast for nine, while nine of us would make breakfast for the Sisters. During my stay at Joliet, I helped soak the dirty socks off of the feet of the homeless women, clean them, and re-dress them. Kathie would make seven lunches, help with their homework, and listen to all of their stories of the day. My children loved her and I loved the Sisters.

The children are all grown now, all college graduates, some with children of their own (12 grandchildren so far). Five are married, all to wonderful Catholics. They practice their faith in all aspects. Robert, my husband, and I are so proud of them. They have a very special love of the unborn, the only issue that really matters.

Our youngest son is still single and another son, Michael, is a Catholic priest. He is fluent in Spanish and after his first two assignments to parishes in Cleveland, he asked to be assigned as a missionary in El Salvador.

He has finished 2-1/2 years of a six-year assignment and is very happy and fulfilled. Fr. Michael lives in Teotepeque, El Salvador on the top of a mountain in the poorest of the poor areas of the country. He is a diocesan priest, but he would have made a great Franciscan! I love the missions and since Fr. Michael became a missionary, I have made them my priority.

During his first year in El Salvador, he wrote a daily blog to his parishioners at St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village, Ohio, which was the last parish he was assigned to before going to the missions. The purpose of the blog was to help connect the people of St. Raphael with the beloved people in his new parishes in eastern El Salvador. He wanted to bridge the gap between the two groups that he loved. His blogs were so treasured that I gathered them up and published them in a book called “Missionary Bridges.” We are beginning our third printing. The proceeds were used as a down payment for a

Rose Stalla and her son, Fr. Michael Stalla, who is a missionary priest in Teotepeque, El Salvador.

Mission Outreach Center in the center of Teotepeque.

It is being renovated to provide overnight accommodations for visitors, a retreat center, Teotepeque’s first library, and a religious goods shop.

In his second year, Fr. Mike instituted another project where people could buy religious tiles made by local artists. These donations were used to pay off the Center. The tiles line the steps of the altar of San Pedro Church in Teotepeque and are dedicated to retired priests, parishes, organizations, and individuals who have purchased them.

This year, I am involved in a mission trip from St. Raphael parish to San Pedro to help spread the Good News to the poor.

In July, 2009, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy with four months of Chemotherapy. My oldest brother is a doctor and he promised me that if I lived, he would take me to the Holy Land. It was probably too soon, but we went in February, 2010. In my weakness, I could identify wholly with my Lord. On the way home, we visited Assisi. What an honor! How it deepened my love for Francis. I walked the streets of Assisi just as he did many years ago. I read about him all of the time.

Now, Francis and Clare are my constant companions.

I find them everywhere!

God has been so good to all of us. I thank Him and ask St. Francis and St. Clare to intercede for my son and me as we work tirelessly for the missions.

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The Office of Franciscan Spirituality T Office of Franciscan SpirituThe aality lends itself to wonderful opportunities to plan and create o ffor prayer and liturgy . . . at Franciscan feast day celebraF ttions, community gatherings, JJubilee celebrations, diocesan Sister Sis i ter Peggy Peggy Q Quinn uiinn gatherings, all our meetings Councilor for Franciscan Spirtuality and even our funerals - maybe most especially our funerals… the celebration of a life and the entrance into eternal life for someone with whom we have journeyed. We pray daily, calling to mind those in most need near and far. In this realm of our prayer life, it is clear to me that we are called to be the Face of Christ for those in the world, so that the “Story of God’s love” reaches all God’s people.

more fully. Over time we have focused together along with associates inspired by our mission and Franciscan life, on various issues: the needs of women and children and the poor and powerless; reverence for creation and for all peoples; human trafficking; the nuclear arms race; anti-racism; peace. Sometimes the focus comes through advertising opportunities for prayer, for workshops or speakers, for meetings, or for taking action. Sometimes we have been able to host speakers or videos or workshops; and sometimes we have taken action such as taking a corporate stance on particular issues.

The Office of Franciscan Spirituality lends itself to opportunity for creating, planning, writing, praying and celebrating; it leads to learning, growing, hosting, acting for justice; and it also involves collaborating. The collaborating takes place with our sisters and their ministries, We may be ordinary people in our own eyes our associates, our institutions, and numerous organizations. or in the eyes of our neighbors, but because the Word of God came among us, Among these organizations are the following: because Jesus lived and died in perfect love,

Our life with and in Christ is nourished and lived in prayer but also leads us to work for justice. Our prayer grounds us in our faith, the Easter mysteries live on in us.

Leadership Conference of enlivens us with the gifts We now can live extraordinary lives with Women Religious (LCWR): of the Spirit of God and extraordinary purpose.

- www.lcwr.org deepens our ability to put Franciscan Federation: God’s love into action. As a God of all love, - www.franfed.org congregation one way we give us courage to live as you call us to live.

Franciscan Action Network: expressed this belief was by God of all compassion and mercy, - www.franciscanaction.org establishing two commisFranciscan International (FI): sions, a Peace and Justice let us bring healing into our everyday lives.

(Franciscan effort at the United Commission and a FranLet Your Spirit touch everything and Nations) - www.franciscansinterciscan Clarean Spirituality everyone we meet each day, national.org Commission. We call our so that nothing is ordinary again, Network: (a national Catholic justice committee, the JPIC: so the ‘Story of your Love’ reaches to lobby) – www.networklobby.org Justice, Peace and Integrity all your people.

KIVA: (micro-financing opportuof Creation Commission. nities) - www.kiva.org This group is commissioned It is Extraordinary!

North American Conference by the congregation to keep of Associates and Religious us informed, involved and (NACAR) - www.nacar.org working for justice and Archdiocesan Advisory Council for Delegates to the peace in the spirit of Francis and Clare. The SpiritualBishop (representatives from the religious congregations of the ity commission was asked to guide and deepen our Diocese of Joliet) - www.dioceseofjoliet.org knowledge of Saint Clare and her writings along with Women of Faith for Justice (WFJ) – a growing effort to those of Francis. gather women of faith to learn from each other about the justice issues in our area and to support one another in our efforts for It is exciting and overwhelming. It is exciting to be justice. working together and to be inspired by one another, to learn about our world and our Franciscan Gospel faith.

All of our efforts are designed to help us live the call of It is overwhelming in that there are so many needs, so Jesus…to live our ordinary lives in an extraordinary way many suffering people, so many injustices, so many things to think and pray about in order to live this life with extraordinary purpose.

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22nd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast By: Nan Nagl If the many kind words we’ve received are the barometer, then the 22nd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast was a great success. Almost $33,000 was raised which will be used to support the 2012 General Chapter.

During the Feast, the Sisters honored Karen Fleshman of Columbus, Ohio with the Mother Alfred Moes Award.

Honored with the Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award was Father James Lennon of Joliet, as well as George and Regina Block, also of Joliet.

Making their singing debut was the Joliet Franciscan Choir whose members were Sisters and Associates. They entertained the Feast’s guests with a few hymns, which added to the success of the evening.

We want to thank our Sponsors, Silent Auction and Basket Raffle donors, and our Advertisers.

Dinner Sponsor: Great Lakes Advisors, Inc. Invitation Sponsors: Brown & Brown Insurance; D’Arcy Motors; Henry Bros. Co. Wine Sponsors: Andromeda Technology Systems; Grants Appliances, Electronics & More Table Décor Sponsor: Remco Medical, Inc. Program Book Sponsor: Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co. Music Sponsor: Mr. & Mrs. LaVerne S. Brown Valet Parking Sponsor: Minarich Graphics & Supplies, Inc. Mother Borromeo Mack Sponsorship Level: Mr. & Mrs. LaVerne S. Brown; Larry & Sue Burich; George & Shelby Vogrin Mother Angela Rosenberger Sponsorship Level: Bill & Margaret Benoit; John & Jeanette D’Arcy Mother Alberta Stockhoff Sponsorship Level: Jay & Lori Bergman; Provena St. Joseph Medical Center; Dr. & Mrs. Al Ray; Mrs. Pat Ruth; Tracy Johnson & Wilson, Attorneys at Law; Dr. & Mrs. Arthur P. Wilhelmi Silent Auction and Basket Raffle Donors: Teresa Aguirre; Al’s Steakhouse, Joliet; American Sales; Babe’s Hot Dogs, Joliet; Bailey’s Carpet One, Joliet; Joseph and Marcia Bianco; Jeff and Tricia Bleur; Bob & Sis Catering, Joliet; Sr. Susan Bruno, OSF; Bob Campbell Photography, Joliet; Cemeno’s Pizza, Joliet; Chicago Cubs; Chicago White Sox; Chicago Wolves; Carmelita Collins; David Nelson Exquisite Jewelry, Joliet; The Department, Joliet: Eagle Ridge Resort, Galena; Franciscan Autumn Feast Committee; Sr. Pauline Ann Furiel, OSF; Grant’s Appliances, Electronics & More, Joliet; Matt and Dolores Gross; Heritage Bluffs Golf Course, Channahon; Vicki Hodgman; Sr. David Ann Hoy, OSF; Illinois Philharmonic, Park Forest; Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet; Joliet Catholic Academy; Joliet; Franciscan Center Staff; Lou Ann Kinney; Sr. Marge Krieger, OSF; Sr. Mary Rose Lieb, OSF; Lone Star Steakhouse, Channahon;

Sr. Rita Mandella, OSF; Sr. Mary Lou Marchetti, OSF; Mickey’s Tire & Service Centers, Joliet; Sr. Mary Jean Morris, OSF; Marianne Murphy; Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago; Nagl Family; Ann O’Brien; Panera Bread, Joliet; Old Fashioned Pancake House, Joliet; Sr. Albert Marie Papesh, OSF; Portiuncula Center for Prayer.

Frankfort; Providence High School; Sr. Sandra Salois, OSF; Catherine Schwarz; Sr. Mary Frances Seeley, OSF; Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary, Kankakee; Cheryl Shaw; Shedd Aquarium, Chicago; Jan Siegel; Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet; St. Clare Prayer House, Joliet; Thayer Bros., Joliet; Councilman Mike Turk and the City of Joliet; Tyson Motors, Joliet; Sr. Juanita Ujcik, OSF; University of St. Francis; Sr. Helen Vahling, OSF; Sr. Loretta Vetter, OSF; Dr. Henry Vicioso; Walt Disney World, Orlando; Sr. Yvonne Weidner, OSF; Dr. Lawrence Wyllie; and Sr. Helen Zulka, OSF. Advertisers: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; University of St. Francis; Nowacki Insurance; Franciscan Learning Center; Remco Medical; Minarich Graphics & Supplies, Inc.; Northern Illinois Steel Supply Co.; Buck Services; D’Arcy Motors; Guardian Angel Community Services; Andromeda Technology Solutions; Cole Taylor Bank; Great Lakes Advisors; Brown & Brown Insurance; St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church; Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home; Joliet Catholic Academy; and Grants Appliances, Electronics and More.

Cash Raffle Winners - S. Vogrin, $1000; J. Byrne, $500; P. McGowan, $250 Gift Card Package Raffle Winner - C. Naal (Gift cards valued at $1500 courtesy of the Joliet Franciscan Associates.)

The 23rd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast is scheduled for Sunday, October 28, 2012, at 4PM at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Mark your calendars now. We hope to see you there!

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At Journey’s End - Sister Marie Grunloh, OSF Sister Marie Grunloh died on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 after serving 71 years of consecrated life as a Joliet Franciscan Sister.

Born in Green Creek, Illinois on July 8, 1920 to John and Elizabeth Grunloh, Marie was the fourth of six children. As a young girl, Marie was intelligent and curious about the world around her. She received the faith passed on from her parents and extended family with eagerness and enthusiasm. Growing up at a time when two World Wars and the Great Depression shaped the lives and consciences of an entire generation, Marie was particularly attuned to God’s holy manner of working in and through her life. Inspired and influenced by the Franciscan Friars of the Sacred Heart Province as well as the Joliet Franciscan Sisters, Marie (as well as her dear brothers, Rev. Donatus, OFM and Rev. Melvin, OFM), was nurtured in her desire to embrace the Franciscan way of life.

Marie entered the postulancy on November 14, 1937. The following year, she became a novice and received the name of Sister Euphemia.

She applied herself not only as a dedicated college student, but also as a rigorous and effective high school teacher of Latin and English at St. Francis Academy in Joliet, St. Peter High School in Mansfield, Ohio and Sacred Heart (Englewood) in Chicago. In 1982 she joined the Center for Correctional Concerns staff in Joliet as Assistant Director and Instructor in the GED program. Before moving to Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, she spent her last two years as a volunteer at Guardian Angel Community Services.

In the third chapter of her life, Sister Marie endeavored to read the signs of the times and respond as best she could to the pressing social needs she observed. A tireless advocate for peace and justice, she was committed to defending the human rights and dignity of all those adversely effected by poverty, lack of educational opportunity, racism, imprisonment, abuse and social marginalization.

In her later years, Sister Marie Sister Marie Grunloh began her ministry at the was recognized in great and Will County Jail in 1981. small ways for her diverse contributions and volunteer services. In the final weeks of her life, Sister Marie was an example of courage, tenacity and sincerity. She continued to give voice to the truth about her own mortality, her confidence in God and the consolation she found in the love of her beloved sisters, especially those who companioned her throughout her final days.

Pictured with Sister Marie Grunloh (center) during her nomination to the 2004 Community Service Council Award are: Sisters Ann Wayrowski (left) and Sister Vivian Whitehead.

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confiança

Dying as she lived, she leaves to her Franciscan sisters and brothers, the members of her beloved family, her friends, former students and care-givers one request: that in her memory we continue the work of “being peace and goodness” in the name of the Most High God in whom she now rests for all eternity.

Mark Your Calendars Prayer Breakfasts Join us for Prayer Breakfasts held throughout the warmer months of the year. The morning begins with prayer and includes an inspirational talk and breakfast.

Here is the schedule for 2012.

May 16 July 11 September 19

(Women) (Men & Women) (Women)

Ways To Give Considering a gift to the Sisters? There are a variety of ways to accomplish this: You may: • Make a gift by cash, check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). Use the enclosed envelope or print the donation form on our website at www.jolietfranciscans.org.

• Make a gift of stock.

The suggested donation for these events is $10.00. For more information, please call: (815) 725-8735, x116.

23nd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast Sunday, October 28, 2012 4PM - Reception, Raffles and Silent Auction 5PM - Dinner Celebrate with us at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. The Mother Alfred Moes and Joliet Franciscan Heritage Awards will be presented at the Feast. There will be a silent auction and cash raffle. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Raffle and Silent Auction items are needed. Proceeds benefit the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. For more information, please call Nan Nagl at 815-725-8735, x116.

Fifth Annual “Come To The Stable” This is a perfect way to spend a December afternoon in preparation for Christmas. The dates are Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Light holiday refreshments will be available. To display your Nativity scene, please call (815)725-8735, x116.

• Consider becoming a member of the Canticle of the Future, our planned giving society. Notify the Mission Advancement office if you have remembered the Sisters in your will or an insurance policy.

Information on all of the above is on our website or available by calling the Mission Advancement office at 815-725-8735, x116.

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 at nnagl@jolietfranciscans.org. You may also sign up through our website homepage at www.jolietfranciscans.org, or visit us on facebook!

Help Us Update Do we have your current address? Are you receiving duplicate copies? Do you have a friend who would like to receive our Magazine? Please let us know by using the enclosed envelope, sending an email to nnagl@jolietfranciscans.org or by calling the Mission Advancement office at 815-725-8735, x116. We want to hear from you!

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 148 Joliet, IL

1433 Essington Road Joliet, IL 60435-2873

Save the Date 23nd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast October 28, 2012 Bolingbrook Golf Club Raffles - Silent Auction 4:00 pm Dinner - 5:00 pm

Visit us at www.jolietfranciscans.org or on Facebook

Pictures from 22nd Franciscan Autumn Feast held on October 16, 2011