The Joliet Franciscan Magazine

The Joliet Franciscan A Publication of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate - Joliet, IL

Letter from the President

Sister Dolores Zemont, OSF

Dear Friends, Most of you know us, the Joliet Franciscans, as a teaching congregation of Sisters. Education was our core ministry in our founding. Several of our Sisters are still educators today. Sister Mary Rose Lieb is principal of St. Francis de Sales STEM Catholic School in Denver, Colorado. Sister Jeanne Bessette serves as president of De Paul Cristo Rey High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where 100% of their graduates go on to attend college. Sister Margaret Guider is Professor of Theology at Boston College in Massachusetts. In Columbus, Ohio, Sister Margaret Hoffman has been teaching at St. Charles Preparatory High School for more than 40 years. But we also have always been musicians, artists, and writers as well.

Sr. Dolores Zemont, OSF

In this issue, you will read about Sister Roberta Naegele who is a nurse practitioner, an acupuncturist, and a nutritional counselor and instructor. Try putting all that on a business card!

She has also served as a psychiatric nurse, a midwife, a hospice nurse as well as serving the homeless in shelters and ministering to victims of domestic violence.

As needs presented themselves we embraced new ministries like nursing, directors of religious education and a Sister works for the Diocese of Joliet at the Tribunal as a defender of the bond. Responding to the invitation of Pope Francis, we have moved out of some more visible ministries and again found areas of need. You will find us at the Will County Jail ministering side by side with lay women and men in the Center for Correctional Concerns preparing women for the GED and offering spiritual support. A Sister offers spiritual support at Daybreak Shelter for the homeless and another Sister does bereavement counseling at a funeral home in Cleveland, Ohio. Another Sister ministers as a family and child therapist while others assist the elderly in getting needed medications or coordinating distribution of food through food pantries. Immigrants from various countries are taught English as a second language by our Sisters. Another Sister offers support to immigrants seeking citizenship, and we work with young women seeking asylum. Sisters visit a detention center in Kankakee to be with detainees waiting for deportation and their families. Once a month our Joliet Franciscan Center on Essington in Joliet is a welcoming place for neighbors who wish to spend a peaceful prayer evening with us, and seasonal Prayer Luncheons nourish body and soul for friends and neighbors. Our House of Prayer at Our Lady of Angels Village also welcomes friends to join the Sisters for times of prayer.

The ministry of presence is at the heart of all we do: being there, being with people in their need and maybe discovering what we can do to be of help. Our Sisters at Our Lady of Angels are expert teachers of the art of listening and being with.

As they spend time with residents, visitors and each other in visiting, in prayer and in conversation, they continue the mission of the Joliet Franciscans.

In August of this year, the Joliet Franciscans will celebrate 154 years of serving God and the community. We look forward to our still unfolding future. We continue to go where God sends us and embrace the words, “Where one of us is, all of us are.”

Continued on the following page

The Joliet Franciscan (Winter-Spring 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

Joliet Franciscan Center - JFC / 1433 Essington Rd. / Joliet, IL / 60435-2873 / (815) 725-8735 © 2019 - Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet, IL. All Rights Reserved

Advancing the Mission Hello Everyone!

A new year has begun. How many resolutions have been made and already broken? I’m not telling!

It is tax season and the first year we will see the effects of the Tax Plan signed in 2017 as we begin to file. As a reminder, the new tax law raises the standard deduction to: • • •

$24,000 for married couples filing jointly $18,000 for heads of household filers, and $12,000 for single taxpayers

There is an additional standard deduction of $1,300 for each married person over age 65 ($1,600 for single taxpayers). The additional standard deduction is also available to taxpayers who are legally blind. The legislation limits the deduction for state and local taxes to $10,000 and eliminates many other deductions. However, it is important to note that the charitable deduction is still in place.

Also remember that if you are age 70½ or older, you might consider a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA. (Source: The Catholic Foundation) Thank you for the wonderful response to the 2018 Christmas appeal. The use of the IRA charitable distribution increased as well as giving to the Sisters overall. We are profoundly grateful for your support. If your mailbox looks like mine in the time leading up to Christmas, you have many requests for support. Thank you for adding the Joliet Franciscan Sisters to your list in 2018.

Nan Nagl magazine “The Joliet Franciscan,” our Gift of Prayer program (http://www. jolietfranciscans.org/gift-ofprayer/), our events such as the Afternoon Tea in April or the Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast in October, or perhaps in your estate plans (http://www.jolietfranciscans. org/planned-giving/). You will make an impact on the lives of our Sisters who are Nan Nagl retired, as well as those in Director of Mission Advancement active ministry whose salary might not meet a living wage.

I want to wrap up Fiscal Year 2018 for you with a quick report. In 2018, total giving was $596,337 in the following categories: Estates – 36% General operations – 31% Retirement – 13% Events – 13% Brazil – 3% Restricted – 2% Other – 2% (includes St. Clare Prayer House, JPIC Projects and Bluestem Earth Festival)

Thank you for your support of the Sisters. Until next time, enjoy the miracle of each new day.

As we move through 2019, may I ask you to continue your support of the Sisters through our quarterly appeals, our

Sister Dolores continues: Thank you for both the prayerful and financial support you continue to provide to the Joliet Franciscan Sisters throughout the year. Please be assured of my daily prayers for you. At my time of prayer each morning I ask the Lord’s special blessing for each of you.

Peace and all good,

Sister Dolores Zemont, t, OSF President

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Anti-Racism: A State of Mind or an Action?

Allison Heard is the Director of Institutional Diversity and Title IX Coordinator at the University of St. Francis (USF) in Joliet, Illinois. Allison is an active member of the Congregation’s Anti-Racism Committee.

The Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) is a sub-committee of the Congregation’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPIC). ARC is composed of both Sisters and lay people. They are committed to responding to Racism by:

Allison at the Father Augustus Tolton Screening

• 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.

I have had the pleasure of working with the Anti-Racism Committee for over two years now. When I initially joined ARC, I was excited about the fact that there was a committee in Joliet, devoted entirely to the cause of addressing and eradicating racism. I previously studied quite a bit about the concept of White Privilege. To have a group of Franciscan Sisters and lay people speaking about the impact of White Privilege was both shocking and welcoming at the same time.

When I originally joined ARC, our primary focus was on developing and delivering anti-racism workshops at the University of St. Francis. Prior to my joining the committee, ARC had been working on the campus of USF for approximately a year and a half. As a new member, I was happy to continue foster this partnership. As we continued to present workshops on campus, we learned there were many people who had not attended a workshop. On the other hand, there were many people who attended workshops. Some people would even make recommendations for others to attend. With the influx of new freshman and transfer students arriving every year, and the opportunity to work with new administrators, faculty, and staff, there was always an opportunity to engage in a conversation about the negative impacts of racism.

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One of the things I remember hearing was those who would question why they needed to attend a workshop.

This certainly made me think about ways to respond.

I began to wonder whether or not our committee was trying to change a person’s state of mind or if we were trying to have an impact on their actions. We definitely wanted to have an impact on both, with the ultimate goal of changing hearts!

I believe the work of ARC is twofold. In one aspect, we cannot encourage people to act in certain ways or discourage them from acting in other ways if they don’t understand what they are doing. People have to understand the root of their thoughts and behavior before they can change. The work around anti-racism is best addressed through education. Anti-racism addresses individual actions, institutions and systems of oppression.

If a person has been systemically trained and educated NOT to notice how “doors are automatically open for them and closed to others,” they will not change. I have also noticed that most people do not see racism as an issue of urgency. People are more comfortable thinking about overt racism, which normally manifests itself in blatant racial slurs and physical attacks. Covert racism is more commonplace and manifests itself in microaggressions (everyday verbal and non-verbal slights).

Covert racism often has more of a lasting and detrimental impact.

In January 2018, the National Civil Rights Museum marked the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination with a yearlong commemoration. It is surprising that in 2019 we are still talking about “the Dream” and how we can attain this. I am so proud of the work of the Anti-Racism Committee because they have been engaged in a long-term conversation about fostering positive race relations. ARC also addresses how systems of oppression can be overhauled and dismantled. Over the past year, we have seen media stories about people dressing-up in “black face.” Our country has struggled with issues related to immigration and migration, race relations between police departments and communities of color. We have also struggled with issues of cultural appropriation and misappropriation.

In light of this, ARC has moved into a Phase II of the work it has been doing in the Joliet area. Phase I focused almost entirely on anti-racism workshops on the campus at University of St. Francis. As part of Phase I, we explored issues such as White Privilege, Microaggressions, Individual, Spatial, Institutional, and Internalized racism. Phase II focuses on interrupting White Privilege and implicit bias. We encourage people to move from thought to action. As part of Phase II, we are also focusing more on collaborative partnerships with the local community and more enhanced partnerships with organizations sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.

Some of the programs we would like to highlight that speak to our collaborations include: • A Culture Van Field Trip with the University of St. Francis (USF) to an exhibit at the Alphawood Gallery in Lincoln Park, Illinois entitled, “Then They Came for Me: Incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII and the Demise of Civil Liberties.”

• Diversity Knapsack Presentation and Workshop during the Women and Girls Health Expo at Joliet Township High School in Joliet, Illinois.

• Movie and Discussion at USF on the film “Black Panther.”

• Father Augustus Tolton Documentary Screening at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

• Father Augustus Tolton Speaker Presentation at USF. • Anti-Racism Workshop at Christ the Servant Parish in Woodridge, Illinois.

• Anti-Racism Workshop for Sisters and Associates in Effingham, Illinois.

• Information table at Bluestem Earth Festival at USF. Moving forward, ARC would like to continue to develop collaborative partnerships with other organizations in Joliet and neighboring communities. While some people shy away from difficult discussions, ARC is intentional about educating others about the “sin of racism.”

ARC members, Sister Lois Prebil and Jennifer Johnson at the Bluestem Earth Festival at USF.

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The Anti-Racism Committee was created in 2012. At that time there were seven Sisters on the committee: Sisters Albert Marie Papesh, Martha Kienzler, Rose Marie Surwilo, Dorothy Kinsella, Lois Prebil, Therese Tusek and Juanita Ujcik. They were soon joined by their first members outside of the Congregation.

In 2016, the Joliet Franciscan Sisters committed to make Anti-Racism one of their Corporate Stances and adapted the following resolution: We, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, commit to a stance of Anti-Racism. As we take this position, we promise to make conscious intentional efforts to eradicate racism in all its forms – individual, cultural and institutional.

The current members of ARC are: Elise Carlson (Student JCA), Melisa Ferro (JCA), Sr. Rosemary Fonck (Liason), Allison Heard (USF), Jennifer Johnson, Sr. Martha Kienzler, Andrew Lyke, Sr. Albert Marie Papesh, Sr. Lois Prebil (Coordinator), Helen Hester-Ross, Lucy Sanchez, Fernanda Sandoval (Student USF), Taylor Shelby (Student JCA), Sr. Therese Tusek and Sr. Juanita Ujcik.

EXAMPLES OF WHAT WE MAY DO TO BECOME ANTI-RACIST We invite you to begin the anti-racism journey and walk with us by actively working on one or two of these examples.

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Learn all one can about racism – read books, watch movies, go to workshops and lectures Commit to anti-racism (Anti-racism = a conscious intentional effort to eliminate racism in all its forms – individual, cultural and institutional) Write letters to the editor of the paper when you see something happen, either positive or negative Regularly bring to prayer your desire to eliminate racism Value the qualities of people whose cultures are other than your own For white people, develop awareness of how white privilege impacts our lives.

Become aware that racism hurts everyone, not just those who are oppressed Be conscious of anti-racism in hiring practices Speak directly and honestly when one observes racism in institutions Inspire individuals/groups to curb racist speech and actions Have anti-racism dialogue with organizations and support them in their efforts to be anti-racist Provide ongoing education in areas of anti-racism and white privilege Utilize social media to convey the message

The Joliet Franciscan

Sister Irene Yosick spends a quiet moment in the Chapel at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home

Sister Irene Returns to Joliet This past August, Sister Irene Yosick was welcomed back to Joliet and to Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet. Sister Irene had been living in Shelby, Ohio.

Sister Irene attended grade school in Shelby, Ohio, before coming to Joliet to attend St. Francis Academy, now Joliet Catholic Academy. She earned a bachelor’s degree at the College of St. Francis (now University of St. Francis) and pursued her Master’s degree at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

He Her first teaching ministry was at Ss. Cyril & Methodius in Chicago, Illinois, te teaching 3rd grade. She spent time teaching grade school and high school an and soon became Superior and principal at various sites throughout Illinois an and Ohio. In 1973, her parents became ill and required around-the-clock ca care. Sister Irene returned home and began teaching at her home parish, St. Ma Mary’s in Shelby, Ohio, while also caring for her parents.

No Not only did Sister Irene spend a total of 40 years in the educational field, 10 of which were in administration, but she has also volunteered as a Eucharisti tic minister bringing communion to the elderly and homebound; she visited co community care centers and those in local nursing homes; she has driven the el elderly; taught religious education classes and for many years served as the ch church sacristan. She has indeed shared her life with so many, both young an and old alike.

Sister Irene remembers being asked to be the hand model for the mosaic outside the OLA Chapel.

We are happy to welcome Sr. Irene Yosick to Our Lady of Angels, and we are gr grateful that she will continue to share her life and live a ministry of presence wi with the Sisters and residents and all who come to OLA. 7

29th Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast The 29th annual Franciscan Autumn Feast took place on October 28, 2018, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, Illinios. This event is the only major fundraiser held to raise funds for the Sisters’ ministries and their Retirement Fund.

This year Sister Jean Okroi, IBVM, received the Mother Alfred Award. This award is given to an individual or organization who embodies the vision and service of the Congregation’s foundress, Mother Alfred Moes. Sister Jean focused her vision on a real need in society, namely the awareness and eradication of Human Trafficking. She initiated the Illinois Women Religious against Human Trafficking Committee, whose mission is to prevent, protect and assist women, men and children from sexual and labor exploitation while advocating for the prosecution of their perpetrators. Sister Jean’s efforts have made an impact on countless faceless victims of this criminal industry that denies freedom to so many people around the world.

From the Left: Sister Jean Okroi, IBVM, received the Mother Alfred Award, and Mrs. Pam Prezek, President of the Visitation and Aid Society (V&A), accepted the Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award for V&A.

The Visitation and Aid Society of Joliet received the Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award. This award is given to an individual or an organization that exemplifies their dedication of service and enrichment to others. The Visitation and Aid Society, established in 1889, has been offering their time, talent and treasure in assisting families in need throughout Will County. Each year, they shop for over 125 families during Thanksgiving and Christmas, providing food, clothing and toys to those less fortunate. Mrs. Pam Prezek, V&A president, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

Guests placing their tickets in the Basket Raffle at the Franciscan Feast

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Various raffles were held throughout the afternoon, while the Silent Auction offered getaways to Hawaii, Marco Island, Florida and the Osthoff Resort in Elkhorn Lake, Wisconsin, as well as Coach bags, two televisions and penthouse suite tickets to the Chicago Bulls-Toronto Raptors game, among other items.

We are grateful to the outstanding Autumn Feast committee. The members are: Marcia Bianco, Lucy Brogla, Jeanette D’Arcy, Sr. Sharon Frederick OSF, Jeanne Jacobs, Lois Kiep, Dee Krieger, Claire Millweard, Julie Murphy, Marianne Murphy, Fran Naal, Ann O’Brien, Sr. Albert Marie Papesh, OSF, Michele Phelps, Cheryl Shaw, Rita Travis, Amy Vicioso and Miriam Whitehead.

The Sisters wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the Autumn Feast, to their many benefactors, sponsors, and friends, to those who have volunteered their time or donated an item to make this year’s Feast a memorable one. We also want to thank our CorCommittee Members: Marcia Bianco and Dee Krieger sold porate Sponsors: J.L. Adler Roofing and Sheet basket raffle tickets during the event.

Metal, Inc; Lincolnshire Business Center; Fiduciary Management, Inc.; Advantage Chevrolet; D’Arcy Motors; Clarence Davids & Co.; Len Cox & Sons Excavating; Presence Sr. Joseph Medical Center; Lucy Brogla, State Farm; Wermer Rogers, Doran & Ruzon LLC; and Tracy, Johnson & Wilson, Attorneys-atLaw. A special thank you to Harpist Niamh O’Brien, who played during the dinner and to D’Arcy Motors for providing a vehicle to transport food collected during the event and delivered to St. John the Baptist food pantry in Joliet.

Mark your calendars! The 30th Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast is scheduled for October 27, 2019, and will begin at a new time, 11:00 am.

Left: Sisters Peggy Quinn and Vivian Whitehead enjoy the Feast.

Right: Harpist Niamh O’Brien played during dinner. Pictured with her aunt, Associate Ann O’Brien.

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Connections

by Lucy Sanchez

At congregation events, there is a face that most people recognize almost immediately. I am speaking about Associate Jean Roach. Jean and her husband John began their connection to the Sisters in the mid-1960s. The first Joliet Franciscan Sister they met was Sister Eileen Bannon. Sister Eileen was the sister of their friends, Joan and Joe Bannon. In the early 1970s, Sister Eileen was teaching at the College of St Francis (now the University of St. Francis) and was in charge of the theater productions at the school. Jean fondly remembers how Sister Eileen always ensured that they were invited to every theatrical production held at the College. “Sister Eileen made sure our children had front row seats, even though that meant they had to sit on the floor in front of the stage!” she said.

In the early 1960’s, Jean was working as a registered nurse and John was employed in the accounting office at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. They met at the “Dominic Club” a group for single Catholics in Naperville, Illinois. Jean was the Membership Chair at the time. John came in with a friend, and the rest – as they say is history. They were married on November 26, 1966, and had two children, Michael and Mary Ann. They are the proud grandparents of Emily, Erin and Megan, whom Jean calls “our treasures.”

Though Sister Eileen was the first Joliet Franciscan Sister whom Jean and John met, their connections to the Sisters grew throughout the years. Jean next met Sister Albert Marie Papesh. Sister Albert Marie was the administrator at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA) at the same time that Jean was working at Salem Village, a nursing home in Joliet. Sister Albert Marie asked if Jean would train the OLA nurses’ assistants. As they began to work more closely, Sister Albert Marie invited Jean to serve on the Advisory Board of OLA. They became lifelong friends. “Sr. Albert Marie sang at my daughter Mary Ann’s wedding and also attended my son Mike’s wedding a year and a half ago in Chicago,” said Jean.

Champaign Brunch (now known as the Franciscan Autumn Feast), which was held at White Eagle Golf Club. “I also began to help at the Business and Professional women’s prayer breakfasts. At that time, this was one of the first prayer groups for women in the Joliet area. They were held at the Motherhouse and about 60+ women attended.” When Jean joined the Associate Program in 1993, Sister Albert Marie became her companion Sister. In 2010, Jean received the Mother Alfred Moes Award from the Congregation for her vision, dedication and service to a variety of boards and committees of institutions and organizations throughout the Joliet area.

Not only had Sr. Albert Marie become a part of Jean’s family, but Jean soon became more involved with the Joliet Franciscans, as well. Jean joined the 520 club, a group of women volunteers who planned events for the Sisters. She soon began to help Sister Albert Marie with the Annual Jean recently celebrated her 25th anniversary as an Associate.

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Associates John and Jean Roach

Over the years, Jean has collaborated with other Sisters at both the Will-Grundy Medical Clinic and at the Joliet Area Community Hospice, a place which has become their second home and their “true passion.” In 1981, Jean was on the original steering committee that helped begin the Joliet Area Community Hospice. She was again asked to be on the committee that helped build the Hospice Home at its present location which opened in 2004. Once built, Jean and John volunteered wherever they were needed. To this day, they love spending time in the gardens, watching the plants grow and smelling the aroma of flowers and herbs. Jean remembers that there was a patient whose son mentioned that his father missed watching his tomato plants at home. “So, a tomato plant was planted in a bucket just outside of the patient’s room so that he could watch the tomato plant grow.

That is what is done at Hospice,” said Jean.

They continue to volunteer with the Hospice Garden Walk and spend countless hours either cleaning up the gardens in

the fall or planting a multitude of herbs, vegetable plants, perennials and annuals in the spring. Because of their many years of dedication to Hospice, Jean and John Roach received the 2017 Hospice Heart and Courage Award.

As with any of us, health issues arose and energy slowed a bit. Jean knows that it was all but impossible to remain as involved as they once were. “We continue to carry the charism,” said Jean, “I know we can’t always attend every function nor can we help the way we used to, but we do what we can and the passion remains.”

Jean and John remain active in their small Associate group who meets monthly to pray, study, learn and share. “They are the best. The group is made up of Natalie Bayci, Margaret Benoit, Dorothy Resh, Jean Konrad, who will soon be an Associate, John and I.” All whose lives Jean and John have touched over many years are grateful for all that they have done as well as all they continue to do.

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The Associate Journey The Associates of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate continue to be a presence at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet. The Sisters residing at OLA have become accustomed to the Associates stopping in for a visit or for Mass. This past year the Angel Prayer Partnership began as a way for Sisters and Associates to get to know each other better – creating some deep and lasting friendships.

Darcy Mason Director of Associates

The Associates have also been hosting three or four parties throughout the year. They invite all Sisters and Associates to attend and they gather in the Angels Café at OLA. This past November, the “Just Because” party was our first pizza event. The trivia questions and decorations were in a football tailgate theme and all attendees were invited to wear clothes representing their favorite team. The Ohio State alumni were the largest contingency with the Buckeye “red and grey” as the dominate color scheme.

There were also a number of Notre Dame fans in attendance as well. Associate Cathy Kerns who lives in Ohio sent the dessert, which was Buckeye candy, of course!

About 60 Sisters and Associates attend each of these parties. Associates Marilyn McGowan and Pam Leddy work closely with Sr. Rosemary Huzl, the Local Coordinator for the OLA Sisters, to plan these special events together.

Above: Some Ohio State fans: Sisters Mary Berendt and Patricia Mitchell

Above: Sisters Janet Tucci and Margaret Krieger enjoying ice cream.

Middle Top: Sisters Rosemary Fonck, Lucille Adelmann and Laura Filipas.

Left: Some Notre Dame fans are singing the fight song they are: Sisters Leomarie Luecke, Kay Uchman and Barbara Kwiatkowski.

Are you interested in learning more about the Associate Relationship? Please contact the Associate Director, Darcy Mason, at dmason@jolietfranciscans.org or by phone at 815-725-8735x128. Or visit our website at www.jolietfranciscans.org for more information.

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Sister Mary Lou Marchetti has been Carole Studer’s Companion during her discernment process.

Meet Our Newest Associate On September 28, 2018, Carole Studer became the newest Associate of the Joliet Francicans. Carole had been accepted into the Associate Relationsip by the Board earlier, but was unable to formalize her commitment last April.

Accompanied by her companion sister, Sister Mary Lou Marchetti, and in front of family, Associates and friends, Carole read her commitment statement during the 4:00 pm Mass at Our Lady of Angels chapel in Joliet, Illinois.

relationship with the Congregation. Although she had the opportunity to become an Associate in the past, she felt that now was the right time.

Carole believes that being an Associate will lead her to the volunteer work she feels is missing in her life. She looks forward to being able to assist others in the not too distant future.

Carole began her relationship with the Sisters of St. Francis while attending St. Paul the Apostle Grade School and later at St. Francis Academy. She has fond memories of her Joliet Franciscan teachers. She married while still in college and had six children. Carole later completed college at the University of St. Francis, earning a degree in Social Work, specializing in geriatric care. Her profession gave Carole the opportunity to renew her relationship with the Sisters when she was employed at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Working at OLA felt like a homecoming to her. “I felt so comfortable with the nuns; they are a part of my life,” said Carole.

Carole retired about ten years ago and resides in Yorkville, Illinois, with her daughter and family. She is the proud grandmother of fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. After being very involved with her grandchildren as they grew up, Carole felt she had the time to deepen her

Members of Carole Studer’s family were present to help her celebrate this joyous moment.

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Sister Roberta treats Mary White with acupuncture at The Center, located in Joliet

Meet My Ministry Meet Sister Roberta Naegele, OSF. This past June she celebrated her 50th Jubilee as a Joliet Franciscan Sister. Sister Roberta is a teacher, a nurse, an acupuncturist and a nutritional counselor.

She has studied in a variety of holistic practices and has ministered in various sites throughout the United States and in Brazil. She recently joined The Center located in Joliet, Illinois, where she treats clients in acupuncture, health assessments, breath empowerment, nutritional counseling and Qigong. Following is her story.

My ministry is a “wellness� ministry. I have many titles that allow me to work with this focus, namely, teacher, nurse, family nurse practitioner, midwife, community nurse practitioner. I also practice traditional chinese medicine, shiatsu, and energy work.

The titles mean nothing to me. But what they have allowed me to offer to others is important to me. Who can’t feel joy and gratitude when an interaction restores well-being? I meet with persons who are trying

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to reorganize their body to function in the way that enables them to be their best selves.

Three years ago, I received the approval to open a practice at The Center in Joliet, Illinois. This opportunity has gifted me with opportunities to work with persons without the overhead of institutional requirements, such as quotas or time constraints. I operate professionally. I follow HIPPA and OSHA practices,

an maintain my and licensures and lice Continuing EducaCo tion Units (CEU) that are required. I th maintain a detailed ma history and ashi sessment for each se pa patient. I determine a plan of care, then treat and evaluate tr th the benefits.

Be Besides listening, my background allows for a variety of lo treatment options. tr I wi will use acupuncture treatments for tu any problem. I may an Giving healing treatments to Teresa do “cupping” for Chiletz at the Bluestem Festival back, sciatica, foot or neck pain. I use TENS (Transcutaneous Electical Stimulation) treatment for back, knee, shoulder, wrist or ankle pain. I apply auricular therapy or foot reflexology for any problem. I also work on hands using energy treatments through touch and shiatsu to balance one’s energy. I offer nutritional advice for any disease. I will introduce tapping therapy, patting to awaken blood flow, stretches and movement as needed, plus “clinical massage” and tuina (a form of Chinese manipulative therapy). I offer ways to breathe better and to move better, and I teach Qigong and energy systems.

The attitude that I bring to those who come to see me is that their body wants what they want - a return to normalcy! Many have tremendous pain. They can’t walk which threatens their independence, or simply, pain keeps them from the joys of running. One of my patients had foot neuropathy that caused him to lose his balance. This stopped his active life and limited his motorcycle riding and hiking. Hand neuropathy had caused another patient to lose her grip on holding things. Shoulder pain disallowed one to reach and carry things. Fatigue kept another patient dis-animated. Insomnia dragged the night on and ruined the day.

Panic attacks raced the heart and frightened. Depression, stress, anxiety distracted others from enjoying life and led to addictive behaviors. Sinus congestion caused coughing and inhibited breathing and hurt their rib cage. Neck pain inhibited looking about and hampered driving. These are just a few examples of what several of my patients had been suffering.

Seeing one becoming re-energized and able to again live their life with ease, not dis-ease, is so uplifting to me. When one’s hip pain is released and the person is now free of using a walker and can even lie down easily, that’s a joy to see. After just 11 treatments one patient was able to feel his feet after 10 years of suffering with neuropathy. He reported feeling giddy because he was now aware of both feet while standing on the floor—that is joy and wonder. Being able to witness a patient overcome panic attacks, overweight, high blood sugar and blood pressure is truly life changing. The gift of assisting in this process is priceless and a privilege. I am blessed to be able to reconnect persons with themselves.

My ministry is truly a joy! To witness transformative moments in persons’ lives humbles me. I pray that I may continue to be a wellness practitioner that awakens others to their heart’s desire.

Foot Reflexology helps improve circulation and is an important part of what Sr. Robert offers her patients.

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Sister Vivian Whitehead, OSF Honored Sister Vivian Whitehead was recently honored by the Will County Bar Association for her many years of service to the Center for Correctional Concerns (CCC), a not-for-profit agency she began in 1979. The plaque was presented to her by Mr. Christian Spesia, President of the Will County Bar Association and Chief Justice of Will County Richard Schoenstedt. In his comments, Chief Justice Schoenstedt said he was a first year law clerk when he met Sister Vivian at the jail. At that time, the jail was located in the basement of the Will County Courthouse. He remembered seeing Sister Vivian speaking to the offenders through the bars of the cells and thought to himself, “This is no place for a woman – and let alone a nun!” What also stood out in his mind was her tenacity, and that “she never took no for an answer.” Thankfully, because of her determination and perseverance, Sister Vivian was able to begin the CCC, a social service organization that provides education, social services, chaplaincy, lifestyle intervention and outreach. Chief Justice Schoenstedt also made it clear that, “Sister Vivian is in no way retiring any time soon!”

During the award ceremony, Sister Vivian was very gracious and noted that the award also belonged to two other groups, namely the Joliet Franciscan Sisters and the members of the CCC. She added “While being educated to become a college professor, one of our assignments was to reach out to someone who was incarcerated. Well, that changed my life completely. From there on, I only wanted to go to jail!”

Chief Justice Richard Schoenstedt and Sister Vivian Whitehead.

The Joliet Franciscan Sisters have had a long history of helping the incarcerated. They were present at Statesville Penitentiary as far back as 1877. “It is part and parcel of who we are as Franciscans!” said Sister Vivian.

Back Row from Left: Sister M.J. Griffin, Associate Patricia Austin, Associate Lynette Shea, Sister Lourdes Boyer, Sister Rosemary Fonck, Sister Elaine Kerscher and Sister Barbara Kwiatkowski.

Front Row from Left: Sister Lucille Adelmann, Sister Vivian Whitehead, Sister Juanita Ujcik and Sister Dolores Zemont.

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The Joliet Franciscan

She went on to say “Every member of CCC walks with those who are in jail.

They are present and they know that the offender is more than the offense.

Miracles happen and your life changes when you walk with those who are in jail. She concluded by saying, “I give thanks to these two groups and I am honored to be a part of them.”

Additional commendations were also presented to Sister Vivian by State Senator Pat McGuire, State Representative John Connor and Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey. Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk was unable to attend, however he did send a commendation on behalf of the City of Joliet.

Back Row, from left to right: Sister Margaret Christi Karwowski, Sandra Franzen, Barbara Bennett Jan Moore, Patricia Austin, Dale Rodeghero and Deacon John Shea.

Front row, from left to right: Donna Fedosenko, Sister Vivian Whitehead, Glenda Malone and Sister Beatrice Baker

My Jail Passion I enter their lives To teach To listen to them To help them see their beauty To help them know their dignity To seek with them their hope To wipe their tears To give them a place to laugh To comfort, to encourage, To not give up on them when I see them return to jail again and again To know I may be manipulated and used Just to be present to them. by: Sister Vivian Whitehead, OSF

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Sister M. Sylvia Post, OSF

Sister Si it S Sylvia l i P Postt

Born March 31, 1937 Postulancy September 6, 1954 Novitiate August 13, 1955 First Profession August 12, 1957 Final Profession August 13, 1960 Entered New Life November 5, 2018

Sister Sylvia was always known as being a very warm, happy, loving individual.

She was a woman who warmly welcomed everyone. And true to her quiet personality, while the other Sisters were in Chapel for Mass on a Monday afternoon, she peacefully went home to her God. Sister Sylvia was the eldest child born to Earnest and Josephine Post in Boston, Massachusetts. She became familiar with the Joliet Franciscans after the family moved to Chicago. She became an aspirant in 1951 and attended St. Francis Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Francis (now University) in Joliet, Illinois, and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Guidance and Counseling from DePaul University in Chicago. She received a Master of Arts degree in Adult Christian Community Development from Regis College in Denver, Colorado, and then furthered her education at the Institute for Spirituality and Worship of the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.

After 15 years in the field of elementary education as teacher and principal in Chicago and at St. Andrew School in Romeoville, Sister Sylvia ministered as guidance counselor at Christ the King School in Lombard, Illinois. She did pastoral ministry in Newaygo, Michigan, and then became a member of the pastoral team at Our Lady Help of Christian Parish in Litchfield, Ohio. Sister’s ministry focused mainly in the area of social concerns and adult formation. She helped in organizing ways to meet the needs of divorced, separated and widowed parishioners along with facilitating a needs assessment of the older adults and the creation of small Christian communities within the Parish. In 1994 Sister began an 18 year ministry at the Church of the Presentation as Pastoral Associate for Adult Formation where she served on the RCIA, Adult Education, Small Christian Communities and Returning Catholics Teams.

In 2012 Sister Sylvia returned to Joliet, taking up residence at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Visitors would be warmly greeted by her as they came in the front entrance. If you were looking for her, you knew you would find her in Chapel praying for those who had requested her prayers. Her ministry of prayer and presence was a gift to visitors, staff and the other residents of OLA. Sister Sylvia Post died on November 5, 2018. She was a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for 64 years.

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Sister Agnes Marie Kovacic, OSF At first glance you might have been tempted to be wary of Sister Agnes Marie, but after your first encounter with her, you wanted to sit at her table for meals and visit with her as often as possible. She had a dry sense of humor and the cutest twinkle in her eye. But more than that you knew that here was a person who was really interested in you and your life.

Sister Si i t Agnes A M Marie i Kovacic Born October 7, 1924 Postulancy September 8, 1941 Novitiate August 12, 1942 First Profession August 12, 1944 Final Profession August 12, 1947 Entered New Life December 13, 2018

A native of Rockdale, Illinois, Sister Agnes Marie was one of eleven children born to Mary and Anton Kovacic. She was a member of St. Joseph Parish in Rockdale and participated in the Parish activities. In 1994 she was chosen by St. Joseph’s CCW (Council of Catholic Women) in Rockdale as Woman of the Year. The basis of the honor according to her was that she just did whatever she was called on to do for her parish. Those words also sum up her 77 years as a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet.

Following in the footsteps of her oldest sister, Sister M. Lambert, Sister Agnes Marie entered the postulancy on September 8, 1941. She graduated from St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) in 1942 and then earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis).

Sister’s early years of ministry were spent teaching the primary grades. While not fully enjoying the ministry of teaching, she still made an impact on her students with her love for music and art. She was described as “handy with all sorts of tools.”

Her love for little children was especially evident when she served as “Prefect” for the little boys at Guardian Angel Home.

In 1985 at the age of 61 she felt that she no longer wished to teach and began looking at another ministry. After completing a Life/Career Planning workshop, she decided that caring for others was her field. She returned to school at Joliet Junior College and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She realized that older people did not wish to leave their homes for nursing care, so she would live with them and care for their needs.

She continued this ministry until 2003 when she moved into Guardian Angel Home again. This time rather than caring for little boys, she served her Sisters in residence with her by being the “chief cook and bottle washer.”

Through all her years of ministry, she still found time to crochet and make different items for the OLA Christmas Bazaar, along with volunteering her services wherever and whenever needed.

Sister Agnes Marie Kovacic died on December 13, 2018. She was a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for 77 years.

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Sister M. Clarence Golla, OSF Sister Clarence always met people with a smile. It was her trademark! She put you at ease and made you feel you could talk to her and she would listen.

Sister Si t M M. Cl Clarence Golla Born May 6, 1928 Postulancy September 4, 1946 Novitiate August 12, 1947 First Profession August 12, 1949 Final Profession August 12, 1952 Entered New Life December 23, 2018

Sister Clarence, named Dorothy by her parents, was born in Chicago, Illinois. She was the youngest of three girls born to Peter and Clara Golla. She was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Parish in Chicago, Illinois, and through her early education at the parish grade and high school, she became acquainted with the Joliet Franciscans.

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in September, 1946. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis). Sister also received a Certificate from the Seraphic Institute of Theology from the College of St. Francis.

Sister Clarence was a primary teacher for almost 25 years, spending most of her time in schools in Ohio and Illinois. In 1973 she became a core member of the St. Clare House of Prayer which was then in Kankakee, Illinois. This Congregation ministry of prayer and hospitality provided a place of retreat and prayer to many.

Clare, as she was called, brought a special spark to the group of Sisters already living at the House of Prayer. Each spring would find her planting vegetables in her garden. Her daily chores would always entail a few hours spent coaxing her tomatoes and beans to mature as she would lovingly decrease the weeds that accompanied them.

The Sisters at the House of Prayer received donations from family and friends that were earmarked for the poor. It soon became apparent that this ministry was the main joy of Clare’s life. Although she could not drive, she made arrangements with people living in the area to pick her up and take her shopping. She would then sort the food according to the number in the family and set out with her boxes to provide for several needy families in the Kankakee area. She made Thanksgiving and Christmas special days for them. With her winning smile, no one could refuse to help her find toys for the children and gifts for the adults.

One aspect of Sister Clarence’s life was known only to a few. Clare had the gift of reflecting and writing that could have made her a famous author. But she chose instead to write and reflect for her own personal Spiritual life. She would at times make a few comments to friends that would reveal the depths of her spirituality, but her writings stayed private for the most part. After her death a few of these reflections surfaced and we were happy to learn of them.

Sister Clarence chose to move to Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home where she continued her ministry of prayer and service, bringing her loving smile to the other residents. She died on December 23, 2018, having been a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for 72 years.

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Sister Mary Catherine (Camille) Uchman, OSF Sister Kay (as she was affectionately called) will always be remembered as a woman filled with joy and for her love of her religious community, her family and friends.

Sister Kay was born in East Chicago, Indiana, and was the eldest of two children born to Bruno and Catherine Uchman. She was a member of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Chicago, Illinois, and through her early education at the parish grade and high school, she became acquainted with the Joliet Franciscans. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in September of 1954.

Sister Si t M Mary Catherine C th i Uchman Born July 3, 1937 Postulancy September 6, 1954 Novitiate August 13, 1955 First Profession August 12, 1957 Final Profession August 13, 1960 Entered New Life February 1, 2019

Sister Kay received her bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Francis (University of St. Francis). She also received a Master of Social Work from George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois. Her ministry as a Joliet Franciscan could be divided into three parts. She began in education as a teacher in grade 4 at Sacred Heart Englewood. In 1959 she came to St. Raymond Cathedral School in Joliet, to teach 4th and 5th grades. From 1963 until 1967 she taught in grades 4, 5 and 6 in different areas of Illinois.

Her second ministry was that of missionary work in Brazil, South America. In 1967 she joined the small group of Joliet Franciscans who had founded the mission in 1963. In the six years that Kay ministered there, she became very proficient in the Portuguese language. Her warm, affectionate, happy personality endeared her to the native Brazilians. She was also a wonderful example and friend to the young women who entered the congregation.

The third phase of Kay’s journey brought her back to the Diocese of Joliet. After receiving her degree in social work, she ministered at Guardian Angel Home and then as a social worker and therapist for the Will County Health Department in Joliet and Romeoville. In 1980 she became the psychotherapist and supervisor of Social Services at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona - a ministry in which she excelled until her health made it necessary to retire in 2002.

Though she had many friends who helped in her care and many of the Sisters from Joliet would come to visit her in Arizona, in the fall of 2018 Sister Kay decided that she would like to return to Joliet to spend her final days with her community. She took up residence at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home and soon endeared herself to the staff and residents. Though Kay found it difficult to speak with them, the nurses and residents could tell by her smile that they were very special to her.

Sister Kay died on February 1, 2019. She was a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for 64 years.

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Sister Pauline Schutz, OSF Sister Pauline Schutz had three great “passions” in her life in addition to her love for God, her family and her religious community. She loved ministering in the educational field, her heart and total energy went into her pastoral ministry at Pius X Parish in Lombard, Illinois, and she remained faithful to her Chicago Cubs through many years of saying, “Wait till next year.”

Sister Si t P Pauline li S Schutz h t

Born May 26, 1931 Postulancy September 5, 1949 Novitiate August 12, 1950 First Profession August 12, 1952 Final Profession August 13, 1955 Entered New Life February 10, 2019

Sister Pauline came into the world in the company of her twin sister Geraldine.

Raised on the Northwest side of Chicago, Pauline, along with her brother, three sisters and parents Nicholas and Hermina (Bloechl) Schultz were active members of St. Pascal Parish. Pauline became acquainted with Franciscan Spirituality when she attended the Parish Grade School and was taught by the Joliet Franciscans. She continued her education at Alvernia High School. In September 1949, she entered the Joliet Franciscan community and continued her studies at the College of St. Francis where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree. She continued her Franciscan studies during summer breaks from teaching by attending the Seraphic Institute at CSF, where she earned a Master of Arts in Theology.

Sister Pauline began her educational ministry at St. John the Baptist Grade School followed by the Cathedral of St. Raymond Grade School. Her other years in education were spent in Ohio where she taught in junior high and served as principal.

Her life changed in 1977 when she was asked to finish the school year for an ill teacher at St. Pius X Parish in Lombard, Illinois. And as they say, “Here’s the rest of the story….”

Realizing that Sister Pauline was a dedicated, spiritual person, the pastor invited her to stay and begin a parish ministry that would involve working with the senior members of the Parish.

Sister Pauline accepted the challenge and soon it became a dedicated ministry for her. Her life was centered on the elderly, the sick and the dying. She found ways for the parishioners to work together to provide social, educational and spiritual enrichment for the seniors. She helped arrange for groups to attend Cubs’ games at Wrigley Field. Mindful of the less fortunate and those who were home bound, she found ways to provide for their needs as well.

After 38 years of pastoral ministry to St. Pius X parishioners, Sister Pauline realized that it was time to come to Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet.

Every day during the baseball season, she would be cheering her Cubs on to a World Series victory. Finally, in 2016 her dream came true!

Early Sunday morning, February 10, 2019, Sister Pauline entered eternal life.

Sister Pauline was a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate for 69 years.

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Georgia Clark Georgia was born in Lincoln, Illinois, and grew up in Waynesville and Lemont.

She was not raised in any particular religion but was received into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil 1979, receiving the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. She made her profession in the Secular Franciscan Order at St. John’s Church in Joliet, Illinois, in November, 1982. Georgia then made her commitment to the Associate relationship in June, 1983.

Georgia Clark July 31, 1945 to August 17, 2018

Georgia and her husband, Ray, were married at St. Jude’s Church in 1966 and had three children, Christopher, Kimberly and Jonathon. Ray was ordained as a Joliet Diocesan Permanent Deacon. They both considered it a family ministry, and Georgia joined him in service.

Ray and Georgia met the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate when their children attended St. Jude’s School. Her involvement with the Congregation continued when she joined the College of St. Francis (now the University of St. Francis) staff, working in the registrar’s office and later in the library.

Georgia was profiled in the April 1994 edition of the College of St. Francis publication Encounter. When asked her capsule philosophy of life, Georgia replied: “Make God first in your life, family second, work third and all order will follow from there.”

We are grateful for the years Georgia spent as an Associate and friend to our Congregation. She now enjoys the presence of God, whom she loved and served.

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“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done.

One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow.

Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.

Mark Your Calendars

2019 Prayer Evenings Joliet Franciscan Center 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM (January thru November) Prayer Luncheon Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at Noon Joliet Franciscan Center Afternoon Tea Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:00 PM Jacob Henry Mansion, Joliet Bluestem Earth Festival Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 10:00 AM University of St. Francis, Joliet Franciscan Autumn Feast New Time!

Sunday, October 27, 2019 at 11:00 AM Bolingbrook Golf Club

- Dalai Lama Joliet Franciscan Center - 1433 Essington Rd. More info at: www.jolietfranciscans.org