Issuu

Letter from the President

Sister Dolores Zemont, OSF

Dear Friends, I trust you had a busy but relaxing summer with time for family, friends and all the activities that come with the season. Summer was a busy time for us, as well. Sometimes, it seems as though it is our busiest season. We launched the summer season with Jubilee – the annual celebration of our Sisters celebrating significant milestones in their religious lives. On June 15, fourteen Jubilarian Sisters celebrated 40, 50, 60 and 75 years as Joliet Franciscans. Sister Maurice White, who would have celebrated her 80th Jubilee this year, journeyed home to God on March 9. I am quite sure her celebration in Heaven is far greater than any she would have experienced on Earth. Several of us attended the annual Franciscan Federation assembly in St. Louis where Sister Vivian Whitehead was honored for her work at the Center for Correctional Concerns which she founded 40 years ago. The Governing Board was in Scottsdale in August where it was over 100 degrees every day we were there. Almost 700 Sisters from congregations across Sr. Dolores Zemont, OSF the country were present. As a group, we affirmed a resolution in which we committed, for the next three years, to explore the root causes of injustice and, in particular, the intersection of racism, migration, and climate crisis, as well as any complicity in our congregations in these injustices. We pledged to further work with these issues through education, prayer, advocacy, service, impact investing, and collaborative projects. Sisters and Associates met in our Summer Gathering from July 31 through August 3. This year’s gathering was of particular importance for the Sisters as we begin preparation for our General Chapter in April 2020. We, as well as many congregations of women religious, are envisioning innovative ways in which we can continue to serve the people of God. Two milestone celebrations take place this year. One is the 40th anniversary of the Center for Correctional Concerns. Although you will be able to read more about it in this issue, many of our Sisters and Associates have ministered to the resident population of the Will County Adult Detention Center as teachers, spiritual advisors and mentors. The second celebration is the 50th anniversary of St. Clare House of Prayer. Located in a farm house on the bank of the Kankakee River in Kankakee, Illinois, for almost 40 years, the Sisters who ministered over the years provided spiritual direction, guided retreats, hospitality and prayer to all who visited them. In 2008, St. Clare House of Prayer relocated to Joliet and returned to its roots as a contemplative community, still providing for the spiritual needs of those who visit them. I ask that you remember our Sisters in your prayers. I am grateful for your presence in our lives and for the many ways that you support us. You are remembered in my prayers every morning as I begin my day. May you experience beautiful autumn days. Peace and all good,

Sister Dolores Zemont, OSF SF President

The Joliet Franciscan (Fall 2019) CONGREGATION LEADERSHIP Sr. Dolores Zemont, OSF Sr. Rosemary Fonck, OSF Sr. Elaine Kerscher, OSF Sr. Barbara Kwiatkowski, OSF

EDITOR / LAYOUT DESIGN Lucy Sanchez Director of Communications lsanchez@jolietfranciscans.org

COPY EDITORS Sister Ann Freiburg, OSF Renee Cipriani

Cover Photo: Gail Flatness, Kitchen Coordinator at Daybreak Shelter and Sister Sharon Frederick, OSF