Confianca Magazine - Spring, 2011

Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate

confianรงa a Portuguese word meaning faith and trust.

Happy 145th Anniversary The Celebration Continues

SPRING 2011

A welcome from Sister Mary Rose Dear Friends, Time flies by, doesn’t it? Spring is here. Anyone who knows me knows that I really enjoy the snow. But I also love nature – all of creation - and spring is when nature comes alive.

Welcome to the Spring 2011 issue of Confiança. In our last issue, we brought you pieces of our 145th anniversary exhibit. As promised, we continue with more of the exhibit in this issue.

One of our Congregation’s initial and enduring ministries is teaching. Presently, many of our Sisters are serving at all levels of education from pre-school to higher education. So it is that part of our history we bring to you in this issue. We hear regularly from many of you who are former students about the Sisters who were your teachers. Some of you have gone on to be educators yourselves. Whatever path you chose, we are happy to have traveled part of the journey with you.

You will notice a new face in this issue of Confiança, Sister Juanita Ujcik. Sister Juanita was recently appointed as the Congregation’s Vocation Minister. She most recently served as the Executive Director of the Center for Correctional Concerns at the Will County Jail in Joliet. She will also celebrate her 50th Jubilee in June. Sister Juanita succeeds Sister Barbara Kwiatkowski who is taking a short sabbatical before beginning a new ministry.

In April 2012, the Sisters will meet in General Chapter. Chapter takes place every four years and is a time when we not only gather to pray, but also to discern, discuss and decide about our future and how we, as a Congregation, can best move forward to meet the needs of the times and to further the Kingdom of God. We ask the Sr. Mary Rose’s letter continues on page 15.

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 - Nan Nagl Director of Mission Advancement 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.

145 Years, Serving God, Serving Community Reflections

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Vocations

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Caritas Award

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General Chapter News

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At Journey’s End

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Calendar of Events

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On the Front Cover (clockwise): Sr. Florette Freimann at St. Mary School in Alabama, circa: 1960; Sr. Florence (Arduin) Niemet at Our Lady of Mercy School in Granville, OH, circa 1950; Sr. Anne Miller at St. Mary’s Institute in Bayfield, WI, circa: 1914; Sr. Alverna Tonelli with a student.

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© 2011, Sisters of St. Francis

Advancing the Mission Hello everyone!

Thank you to all who supported our annual Christmas appeal with a gift to the Joliet Franciscan Sisters. Your kindness makes many things possible for the Sisters.

I also want to thank you for the many kind comments received regarding the Winter issue of Confiança. After reading about the Sisters’ work at the prison in Joliet, Sharon Lubick Walsh, a 1959 Alumna of St. Francis Academy, shared that she served for 3 years as the organist for Sunday Masses at the Old Joliet Prison and Stateville Penitentiary. Father Gervase Brinkman would fill his car with choir members, including Sharon, and take them to the prison every Sunday morning. There would be another carload or two of other choir members from St. Francis Academy, as well. After the second Mass at Stateville, they would all go to the Officers’ Dining Room and have brunch before returning home. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your memories.

As Sister Mary Rose mentioned in her letter, this issue continues sharing sections of the 145th anniversary exhibit.

In this issue, we are covering the Sisters’ roles in schools, not only in Joliet, but in other areas of Illinois and beyond.

I hope you will share your thoughts and memories with us.

Sister Mary Rose also shared news that the 2012 General Chapter is less than a year away. As you know, a gathering of this magnitude takes a lot of planning and resources. If you have ever worked for a company that hosted meetings with participants from around the country, you know what’s involved. Because of this, I am asking you to consider supporting the Sisters with a gift to assist in underwriting the expenses of the 2012 General Chapter. These costs will include air travel for those not ministering in the Midwest (especially our Brazilian sisters), lodging, meals and Chapter materials.

The Canticle of the Future is the Congregation’s planned giving society. We ask you to consider joining this group.

In doing so, you will Nan Nagl Director of Mission Advancement help to secure the current and future ministries of the Sisters. For a list of the Canticle of the Future members, please visit our website. You might also consider remembering the Sisters in your will or as a beneficiary of either an IRA or an insurance plan. Please contact the Mission Advancement office at 815-725-8735 for more information on planned giving.

In our Winter Issue, I unintentionally omitted Joliet Catholic Academy in the list of Silent Auction donors for the 21st Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast. We appreciate JCA’s participation.

Finally, I want to say thank you to all of you who remember the Sisters in some way. You make a difference not only in their lives, but also in the lives of those to whom they minister. I ask that you continue your financial support this year in whatever way you can. You are in the prayers of all of the Sisters, in both the United States and Brazil.

Please also keep them in yours.

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

In Our Next Issue…..

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You will meet and learn more about our eleven 2011 Jubilarians.

We’re celebrating 140 years of service at St. Peter’s Parish and School in Mansfield, Ohio.

Watch for the next issue of Confiança this summer!

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145 Years: Serving God, Serving Community From June 6 - October 10, 2010, we were honored to showcase pieces of our 145 year history in our exhibit “145 Years: Serving God, Serving Community” at the Joliet Area Historical Museum. Although many of you from the Joliet area were able to visit the museum, we want to share as much of it as we can with all of you on the pages of Confiança. In this issue, we are sharing the portions of the exhibit that covered the Congregation’s monumental role in education not only in Joliet, but in areas you will probably learn about for the first time.

Sisters begin First Ministry in Joliet, Illinois T

he Sisters did not choose Joliet, Joliet chose them. In 1863, they received a request from Father Carl Kuemin, pastor of St. John the Baptist to teach in the school he had just opened. St. John’s was founded in 1852 – the same year the city of Joliet was incorporated – to serve the needs of German speaking Catholics. Being fluent in German and English, Mother Alfred answered the request.

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y 1865, the Sisters were teaching at St. John the Baptist in Joliet and St. Mary/St. Patrick in Kickapoo, Illinois. The Congregation was growing as were the requests for teachers at more schools, not only in Joliet and Chicago, but in communities elsewhere in Illinois and other states. By the end of Mother Alfred’s term as General Superior in 1876, the Sisters were teaching in twenty-three locations in Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

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n the years from 1880-1890, the United States population saw an enormous growth with the addition of two and one-half million immigrants. People began arriving from Poland, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia and Bohemia. Many were making their way to what they hoped would be a better life in this country of ours, which was a little more than a hundred years old at the time.

Top: Sketch of St. John Church circa 1852, which was T hit by a lightening bolt. In the ensuing fire, five people h d died, among them Mrs. Hartmann, whose children w would become the first orphans entrusted to Mother A Alfred Moes.

B om: St. John School in Joliet was the first ministry Bott s of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. site M Mother Alfred and Sister Bernarda began teaching here o November 4, 1863. on

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Responding to Immigrant Growth

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s the Czech immigrant population continued to grow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; so did the number of Czech schools. And the Joliet Franciscans were with them every step of the way. This fact was not lost on the Archbishop of Chicago, Patrick Feehan, who said on one occasion that “many…Bohemian children” would have been lost if not for the Joliet Franciscan Sisters.

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Sr. Vita Zeman’s four Czech readers were published in 1931 and used wherever the Sisters taught.

he Sisters began the “first Slovak parochial school in the Western Hemisphere” at St. Stephen’s in Streator, Illinois. The Irish-born principal, Sister John Rooney along with another teacher opened the school in 1889 for fifteen pupils. Working with the pastor, Fr. Erwin Gellhof and a lay member of the parish, teachers and pupils overcame the language barrier.

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n Joliet, the Sisters began working at St. Joseph, a Slovenian parish and school. Sister Ferdinand Stalzer was taught the Slovenian language by the pastor and she would go on to the lead the school as its principal for 35 years. So important was Sr. Ferdinand to the school that when she was to be transferred to Bayfield, WI, to work with the Native American students, the pastor at St. Joseph asked that she remain in Joliet. His request was granted and Sr. Ferdinand remained at St. Joseph until poor health intervened. Ferdinand Hall at St. Joseph commemorates her devoted service to the parish.

Captions Top: Sr. John Rooney was the first Irish-born Principal.

Sr. John was also one of the original Sisters sent to Memphis, Tennessee during the Yellow Fever Epidemic.

145 Years: Serving God, Serving Community

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he growth of the country brought new challenges. Many of the immigrants were Catholic, a faith they lived deeply – a faith in which they wanted their children to be educated. Teachers who spoke languages other than English were needed in many schools where English was spoken little, if at all. Sisters were sent to St. Wenceslaus, the first Czech school in Chicago, and St. Procopius, also a Czech school. Working side by side with a pastor or lay teacher who spoke the language, the Sisters provided the education the children needed, and soon learned the language themselves.

Left: Beloved by many in Joliet, IL, Sister Ferdinand Stalzer spent 40 years at St. Joseph School. When she died in January, 1936, it was written that “crowds and crowds of people came to view her and to pray for her at her funeral.”

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Sisters Continue to Influence I

n 1963, Sister M. Chrysantha Hoefling wrote of the sisters’ contributions to the education of immigrant population by adapting a statement from the Congregation’s Annals. She quotes the Annals: “There never had been a national spirit in the early years, nor is there now. The Sisters were and are, not German, Irish, not Czech, Slovenian, French or Slovak, there were and are simply the children of our common Father, the dear St. Francis, helping one another and those entrusted to their care to become loyal American citizens without losing their own national identity, to become brothers and sisters under the Fatherhood of God. This has ever been our goal.”

Sister Chrysantha was a member of the College of St. Francis Faculty for more than 37 years.

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he Joliet Catholic Schools were greatly influenced by the Joliet Franciscan Sisters throughout their long history. Every parish in Joliet has been impacted by their presence. Parishes in Chicago, as well as others in Illinois, also benefitted from the presence of the Sisters in their schools.

utside of Illinois, the Sisters were teaching in a number of elementary and secondary schools in many states as early as the late 1800s. Beginning in 1870 and continuing still today, the Joliet Franciscans have been a part of Ohio’s schools. In 2011, the Sisters celebrated 140 years of ministry at St. Peter’s in Mansfield, Ohio where Sisters Bernard Marie Campbell and Paula Bingert still serve the school and parish.

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n Florida, the Sisters helped found Cardinal Gibbons H.S. in 1961. Sister Marie Schramko, the girls’ principal in 1961, still serves as an assistant principal today and Sister Janet Rieden, who arrived in 1963, is also a member of the faculty.

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At 94 years old, Sister Marie Schramko continues to play an active role in the life of Cardinal Gibbons H.S. where she arrived in 1961.

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Above: Sr. Angela A Rosenberger R became the first b novice of the Conn gregation. Her g phonics charts p were copyrighted w iin 1910 and are sstill used today.

For six decades, Sr. Edna Hans worked in education. Her “Seat Work” (spiralbound daily worksheets) became a part of the vocabulary of elementary school teachers.

oday, Joliet Franciscans continue teaching in all levels of education from preschool to higher education in many areas of the U.S., as well as Brazil where they have had a presence in many schools since the early 1960s. They serve as administrators, teachers, tutors, campus ministers and librarians. They continue to teach English as a second language (ESL) and assist in preparing individuals for their GED (High School Equivalency Diploma). The Sisters continue to serve and educate the student in each of us.

n 1869, Mother Alfred realized one of her dreams to begin an academy for both boarding and day students. St. Francis Academy became a reality and was located within the Motherhouse. As both the Congregation of Sisters and the student body grew, the need to provide more space became a necesitiy. Mother Alfred purchased land and additions were built in 1869, 1870 and 1871 using money raised at the eleven mission houses, as well as the inheritance received

by Mother Alfred and her sister, Sister Barbara.

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n 1874, Mother Alfred acquired the Oak Hill Nursery, where Nowell Park stands today. Her hope was to have a building separate from the Motherhouse for St. Francis Academy. Plans were drawn up for an Eshaped, four story, stone building complete with an elevator, gymnasium and a museum. In 1876, bids were taken from contractors and work was ready to begin.

The landscaping was already completed.

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eciding that a change in leadership was needed, Bishop Thomas Foley called for an election of a new General Superior for the Congregation. As a result, the Sisters shelved the plans for the new academy.

Evolution of St. Francis Academy I

n 1880, Mother Francis Shanahan purchased 13+ acres on Plank Road. The groundbreaking took place on October 4, 1880 and the cornerstone was placed on May 15, 1881. In September 1882, classes began. The Taylor Wing and Tower Hall became home to St. Francis Academy in 1915 and 1923 respectively.

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Pictures of the dierent sites where of St. Francis Academy was housed.

Right photo: Joliet Catholic Academy as it appears today.

t. Francis Academy remained on the grounds of the Motherhouse until 1956 when the Sisters built a new academy on Larkin and Ingalls Streets in Joliet. In 1990, St. Francis Academy and Joliet Catholic High School, an all boys school, merged to become a coeducational Catholic high school, Joliet Catholic Academy.

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145 Years: Serving God, Serving Community

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St. Francis Academy

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College of St. Francis T

Mother M. Thomasine Fryewska, was the first president of the college, serving from 1926-1938.

he Education of children was the predominant ministry of the Sisters. By 1920, they were teaching in almost 40 elementary schools and three high schools in four states. So it is no surprise that ensuring the continued education of their Sisters, who were teachers, became very important. So important, in fact, that the Congregation began a college for just that purpose.

-1874: Approval from State of Illinois to “Found and maintain seminary of learning for young ladies; to promote Christian morals and benevolence.”

- 1920: A College predominantly for the education of the Sisters begins.

- 1925: Assisi Junior College opens offering college courses to the public.

- 1930: The school began to operate as the College of St. Francis, a fouryear liberal arts college. The first graduation class numbered 19.

- 1962: The College of St. Francis is incorporated.

- 1971: The College of St. Francis becomes a co-educational institution.

- 1998: The College of St. Francis becomes the University of St. Francis.

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he College was originally located in the Taylor Wing of the Motherhouse, but building continued in order to accommodate the growing student population. From 1930 through the early 1990’s, additions were made to Tower Hall and several new buildings were constructed.

Above: A Ab bove: ove: ov e: F Fi First irst rst rs brochure and mini-catalog were drafted for the opening of the 1925 school year.

Right: In 1934, three scholarships were awarded to commemorate the 60th Anniversary Charter of 1874.

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Above: In four short months Assisi College becomes a reality - a two year institution offering courses to the public. In 1930, Assisi College becomes the College of St. Francis and receives accreditation as a four year institution.

Left: Today, Mother Alfred’s Statue stands in front of Tower Hall welcoming all who visit the University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL.

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ducation remains a very important ministry of the Joliet Franciscans. In 1979, the Sisters opened the Franciscan Learning Center which provides a faith-filled pre-school and kindergarten education programs. Some of the Center’s earliest students now send their own children to the school.

(Above) Sister Carol Jander and Sister Margaret McGuckin (left) have been with the Franciscan Learning Center since it was established.

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isters Margaret McGuckin and Carol Jander have been at the “Little School,” as it is affectionally known, since its inception.

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he Franciscan Learning Center is a sponsored institution of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.

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Marybrook Academy Maumee, Ohio

arybrook Academy, located in Maumee, Ohio, was a boarding school for teenage girls of all religious faiths with behavioral problems. The Joliet Franciscan Sisters served at Marybrook from 1940 until 1964. While there, the students received an education as well as counseling. Students also received training to ready them for jobs, as well as courses in home economics to prepare them for their role as homemakers.

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Top: Si T S Sister i t A Alverna l spentt 221 1 years at Marybrook Academy. Bottom: A member of the Guild visits the girls.

145 Years: Serving God, Serving Community

Franciscan Learning Center

ister M. Alverna served at Marybrook Academy for 21 years. Over the years, she saw approximately 1,000 girls pass through the school. At one time she was quoted as saying, “I could spend another 20 years here.” However, it was not meant to be. Due to declining enrollment, Marybrook Academy closed in 1964.

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St. Mary School - Fairfield, Alabama I

n September 1945, the Joliet Franciscans began a teaching ministry in St. Mary’s all-black school in Fairfield, Alabama.

Two small rooms at the rear of the church were set up by the ppastor. Not a single Catholic child was enrolled at that time.

B By the end of 1962, the school was operating in a newly-built, two-story brick building in a parish of over four hundred baptized Catholics.

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he Sisters served at St. Mary’s school in Alabama until 1980. A total of forty-eight Sisters, many still in active ministry today, were part of St. Mary’s history over the years.

Sister Florette Freimann Sister Rosemary Fonck

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Our Lady of Mercy School Granville, Ohio

n July 1953, the Catholic Times of Columbus said, “Our Lady of Mercy School, Granville, is a house of love.” When the Sisters first opened its doors in 1932, it was used as a private school for elementary and high school girls. However, the need for help for the mentally challenged was growing. The Sisters responded by offering a separate curriculum for them. By 1943, there was an increase in enrollment in these special classes. Having grown to fifteen students from the original five, the Sisters decided to transform Our Lady of Mercy into a school for children with special needs.

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ur Lady of Mercy closed its doors in 1958.

At the time of its closing, a writer with the Catholic Times said in his column, “If there is a Crown of Glory awaiting in the Great Beyond for those who have rendered selfless service, the Sisters of the school will deserve one.”

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Above: Sister Annette Michael helps a child pray.

Left: Sister Roseanne Berna with children.

Reflections We asked the Sisters to share with us what being a member of the Congregation meant to them, why they decided to become a Joliet Franciscan, or something about their ministries. Several reflections appeared in our Winter 2010/2011 issue. In this issue, we are happy to share the reflection of Sister Mary Jean Morris. ““145 Years...and Counting” When I reflect on what has W hhappened in my over 50 yyears as a member of the Jolliet Franciscan Sisters, I cannnot remember a time when I ddid not know this outstanding ggroup of women. As a child I ssaw the Sisters walk to Saint JJohn’s Church from their oold limestone convent on Hickory Street in Joliet. I watched them as they took their places in the front pews just in front of where our family sat. I remember Sister Concepta get out the big phonics chart, developed by Mother Angela Rosenberger, so she could teach our first grade class of 48 students how to sound out words.

One of the most outstanding teachers was our sixth grade teacher, Sister Magdalita. I recall her great enthusiasm in inspiring us to learn, and to enjoy learning. When we arrived at school before the 8:00AM Mass, she challenged us to diagram sentences of varying lengths, enforcing our understanding of grammar. I can still recite all 40 prepositions she helped us to memorize so that these elusive parts of speech were familiar to us. She encouraged us to write plays and to produce them for the class. After Palm Sunday, we made fancy palm crosses. We learned stories of saints and studied the parts of the Mass. We sang in the children’s choir and celebrated our service with picnics and parties that the sisters prepared.

I attended St. Francis Academy and again was encouraged to be creative, to think critically, and if done with respect and with substantiation, even to disagree with what our teachers had presented. We were encouraged to be part of the Chicago interschool Catholic action groups.

We had small groups that met to share Scripture and to unite on how together we could act on them. We were

using the Jesuit guide of See, Judge and Act in our Catholic Study group of YCS (Young Christian Students).

It was the example of these courageous and enthusiastic Franciscan Sisters that led me to say “yes” when I experienced God’s call to “Come and follow me,” and why I chose to be part of this Franciscan group. After my Novitiate, I began my ministry as an educator by teaching 67 second graders at St. Mary’s in Des Plaines, Illinois.

I continued as an educator, including a short term as principal, for 17 years. After completing my Master’s study at Creighton University in Omaha, I began a ministry of religious education and pastoral ministry.

It was during that time that I was elected to serve as a Councilor on our Franciscan Leadership team, followed by four years as Director of Initial Formation of our new membership. After returning to pastoral work I was called again to Congregation Leadership, to complete the term of Sister Rosaire, who was close to death.

At the end of that year I was elected to serve as the Congregation president for the next eight years, bringing my total time of Congregation service to 17 years.

Again I went back to pastoral ministry at age 65, this time as the leader of Saint Luke in Bruce, Mississippi, a small mission church sponsored by the Glenmary Home Missioners in an area of the state that was less than 1% Catholic.

I am grateful to have been called forth and sent forth in the inspiring and fulfilling ministries that have been part of my life. In each place, I felt the support of my Franciscan Sisters. When I was with large groups, or when I was the only one in the state, I felt connected to and supported by my Sisters. I am grateful to have been part of the recent 57 years of our 145 year history.

- Mary Jean Morris, OSF

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Vocations Starting work as Vocation Minister is a major milestone on my journey. I am excited to be working with women who are seeking God’s will in their lives. I am also very impressed with the Sisters in formation in our Community. These women of dedication and inspiration have all celebrated milestones on their journey in the last 16 months.

Sister Juanita Ujcik, OSF Vocation Director

One characteristic of Joliet Franciscans is rejoicing and celebrating whenever possible. The milestones that mark the changes in our lives are marvelous opportunities to be thankful and joyful. When we come together to celebrate new beginnings in our Community, it enriches us all and we share together the hope for the future for ourselves and for the Church.

“What else are the servants of God but his minstrels, whose work it is to lift up people’s hearts and move them to spiritual gladness.” Quote by St. Francis

Irmã Ana Cláudia Pontes Renzende Final Profession: July 25, 2010 Ir. Ana Cláudia is from Maurilândia, de Goiás, Brazil and is the oldest of three children. While she attended school she worked as well. From age 13 she was doing housekeeping and childcare. At age l7 she began working in her grandmother’s bakery.

Ir. Ana Cláudia knew the Sisters from her parish and decided to join them. She opted to walk alongside the poor and little ones to follow Jesus Christ and to live in joy as a Joliet Franciscan Sister. Her university studies are in accounting.

Ir. Ana Cláudia says, “Confidence in God’s Love makes it possible to trust, believe and respond in freedom, conscious of God’s grandeur present in the most simple things, being able to reach the depths of God’s Love.”

At this time, Ir. Ana Cláudia is studying at the Catholic Univesity while doing an internship with an accounting firm. She also assists Ir. Maria Diniz with the accounting for the community and still finds time for parish and vocation ministry on the weekends. She is also the Vocation Director of our community in Brazil.

Irmã (Sister) Beatriz de Sousa First Profession: January 30, 2010 Ir. Beatriz was six years old when her family moved to Goiânia and lived near San Damiano, our convent and school. Along with her family, she was very active in the parish attached to the convent. Ir. Beatriz began to do service there as a catechist and helping with the liturgies. It was her interaction with Ir. Simone and Ir. Maria Antonia that showed her the value of consecrated life. She decided to join the sisters. She worked with very poor people on the farms and wanted to continue helping others.

She wrote, “I have come to the certainty that it is possible to be Christian, to live the example of Francis and Clare and to serve in community with happiness and joy.”

Ir. Beatriz is now doing pastoral ministry in the parish of Santa Cruz de Goiás Parish where she has the opportunity of working with various farm communities as well as the various pastoral groups in the three small towns which comprise the parish. She is loving it!

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Sister Deborah Gaughan Entered Novitiate: August 8, 2010 Sr. Deborah is from a family of six children from Island Lake, Illinois.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in psychology, she had a professional position in the business world and was active in her parish. She became acquainted with the Sisters and chose to enter our community.

Sr. Deborah is currently a canonical Novice in the Common Franciscan Novitiate in St. Louis, Missouri. The Novitiate offers classes, workshops, speakers, Franciscan studies, individual conferences, Mass, common prayer, time for individual prayer and weekly volunteer ministry placement for Franciscan novices from many communities. Sr. Deborah’s ministry placement is at St. Louis Crisis Nursery for children who are at high risk for child abuse.

Reflecting on her Novitiate experience so far, she says, “I must say, what I am experiencing is hard to put into words.

God is so good; God has helped and continues to teach me, help me grow and is teaching me to let go and just be.”

Irmã Débora de Castro Alves Renewal of Vows: December 28, 2010

Sister Jennifer Byrnes First Profession: January 8, 2011

Ir. Débora was born and raised in a loving and prayerful family in Santa Helena, Brazil. The family was involved in spiritual activities together.

Sr. Jennifer is the oldest of three children. She is from Oak Lawn, Illinois, where she was active with the youth in her parish.

Once when she was a very young girl, Fr. Daniel Norton gave a vocation sermon and said, “Who will take the place of our aging sisters?” Débora said to Sr. Johanna Didier who was then ministering in Brazil, “Don’t worry anymore. I will take your place.” Years later she entered the community.

Ir. Débora observed, “The difficult times are good for us because they teach us to place our love and confidence in the Father. Thus, we are strengthened in our weakness and are reminded that all things are possible in Him who strengthens us.”

Currently, Sr. Débora is in parish Ministry, Paróquia Nossa Senhora das Graças in Bernardo Sayão, Tocantins, Brazil.

She hopes to finish her university studies in information technology.

Irmã Maria das Merces Alves Barbarosa Entered Novitiate: December 28, 2010 Ir. Maria was born in Porto National, Tocantins, Brazil as the fifth of ten children. Later, the family moved to Goiânia where Ir. Maria became acquainted with the Sisters. As she completed her high school and pastoral studies, she had a number of occupations including that of a teacher’s aid. She began teaching religion and math at San Damiano School. It is there she joined the Sisters.

Ir. Maria is an apostolic Novice and is doing parish ministry at Parôquia Nossa Senhora das Graçias in Bernardo Sayão, Tocantins, Brazil.

Ir. Maria stated,” I feel called to a different way of life other than what the world offers, to follow Jesus Christ as Clare and Francis of Assisi did.”

Sr. Jennifer tells us, “I became more aware of the needs around me and felt a strong desire to change the world.” This call led Sr. Jennifer to leave her office job and begin teaching vocational skills to adults with developmental disabilities. She met our Sisters and later became an Affiliate (Postulant).

During her canonical novitiate she lived with three of our Sisters at Assumption BVM Parish Convent near Cook County Jail in Chicago and volunteered counseling incarcerated youth.

Sr. Jennifer’s past experiences and personal evaluations have led to her current study at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, preparing her to enter the nursing profession.

Did you know...

Sister Veronica Haarth was best known for her untiring and life-long work on behalf of the blind adults.

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In 1920 she began studying Braille and eventually transcribed Catholic books into Braille for adults.

These books can be found in public libraries across the country.

Her work did not end there. Because of her influence, educational opportunities for the blind were made available at the College of St. Francis.

Sister Veronica procured better living conditions, had medical services donated, made arrangements for cultural entertainment and did whatever she could think of to improve the lives of the blind.

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Sisters of St. Francis Honored with USF Caritas Cares Award On January 29th, the University of Saint Francis honored the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate with the 2011 Caritas Award at its annual Caritas Ball, an event held annually to raise scholarship funds for university students.

Sister Mary Rose Lieb received the award on behalf of the Congregation.

The following is Sister Mary Rose Lieb’s acceptance speech on behalf of the Congregation as recipient of this Award:

Dr. Vinciguerra, members of the Caritas Selection Committee and of the University of St. Francis Community: It is from a genuine sense of pride for the nearly 200 women whom I call ‘Sister,’ and the 910 who have gone before us over the last 145 years, that I accept, in the name of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate, this 2011 Caritas Award. This is indeed a very special moment. We are grateful that you have chosen to recognize us, the founding and sponsoring Congregation of this great University, with this prestigious honor.

Caritas is a Latin word meaning dearness and by extension affection, esteem and love, the kind of love as in charity for others. Pondering this definition makes this tribute even more meaningful. It speaks of a Congregation and a University which are connected deeply, at their very roots; their two histories are intertwined as a family’s, inseparable and spanning 85 years. We value the mutual affection we have for each other. We hold each other in esteem as we continue to advance our mission to bring about the Kingdom of God using our unique gifts and through our particular ministries.

As a Congregation, we are celebrating the 145th anniversary of our founding, on August 2, 1865, by Mother Alfred Moes,

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right here in Joliet. We are grateful that you have marked with distinction our anniversary year with this Caritas Award.

Sixty years after our founding as a Franciscan Congregation, this University had its beginnings when it opened as Assisi Junior College in 1925 to offer an education beyond high school to women in the Joliet area. Its first president was Sister Thomasine Fryewska and, five years later, in 1930, Assisi Junior College was chartered as the College of Saint Francis. In 1962, under President Sister Elvira Bredel, the College of St. Francis became incorporated in the State of Illinois. It was also during Sr. Elvira’s presidency that the “Black Tie” event of Joliet called “Caritas” was inaugurated!

In 1998, this institution officially became the University of St. Francis.

The changes and growth within this institution during its 85 years are phenomenal. It sought to meet the ever changing needs of the larger community as a Catholic, Franciscan Institute of Higher Learning. We are so proud of this University; its history, its mission, its legacy.

Through this award, you affirm and honor the Congregation’s years of charitable service — past, present and to come. You honor our 204 Joliet Franciscan Sisters who served a total of 2252 years, and counting, at Assisi Junior College, the College of St. Francis and the University of St. Francis. Many of our sisters benefited by the educational mission of USF – 316 Joliet Franciscans are graduates. One of our newer members is currently studying nursing at USF. Through this award you affirm and honor the Congregation’s years of charitable service to the broader community of Joliet. From 1865 to the present time, through every kind of charitable work imaginable: education at all levels: health care; social services; care of children, the elderly and infirmed; pastoral, prayer, catechetical, and parish ministries; counseling and retreat work; serving among the poor, forgotten, imprisoned, marginalized; and sharing the beauty of the creative and fine arts — the Sisters of Saint Francis of Mary Immaculate have served the people of the City of Joliet and the people of the Diocese of Joliet in excess of 300,000 years of charitable service.

Dr. Vinciguerra and members of the USF Community, the Joliet Franciscans are very grateful to you, for you and with you for this Caritas award. Thank you for honoring us as you are. Through the grace of God may we – together – continue to build up this diocese, this city and this university in charitable and loving service to others for another 145 years.

General Chapter - 2012

Sister Mary Rose’s letter continues from page 2

Spirit to guide us through this period of Chapter preparation. I ask also that you keep our Congregation in your prayers.

“Renew, Rebuild, Rebirth” April 9 – 16, 2012 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.

As I close this letter, I want to thank you for all that you do for the Sisters by way of spiritual as well as financial support. I send you best wishes in this season of rebirth and ask that God bless you and yours this Easter.

Peace and all good, Our Chapter theme is Renew, Rebuild, Rebirth, which suggests a choice and a commitment, building on the conversation started during the Congregation’s annual four-day summer gathering in 2010 where the theme was A Franciscan Renaissance: Pace e Bene – Just Be It!

b Sister Mary Rose Li Lieb President & General Superior Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate

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

The hope of both the Central Administration and CPAC is that every Sister across the United States and Brazil who is able to attend Chapter will be there so she may fully participate in this very important time for the Congregation.

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.

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At Journey’s End - Sister Miriam Patrice Tierney, OSF S Sister Miriam Patrice Tierney died on January 3, 2011. Born on August 13, 11922 to Frank and Irene Tierney, Florence Mary was baptized and confirmed at S St. Brendan Church in Chicago, Illinois. The eldest of three sisters, she learned tto care for others spontaneously and generously from an early age. She attendeed Assumption Parish School in Chicago from 1928-1933, completed junior hhigh school at Altgeld School in 1936 and graduated from Parker High School iin 1940. She worked as a factory clerk for several months and on September 8, 11941, she became a postulant with the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immacullate. She entered the novitiate the following year and on August 12, 1942, she rreceived her religious name, Sr. Miriam Patrice. Making her first profession on August 12, 1944, she soon embarked on a 35-year long career as a beloved primary grade teacher at schools in Illinois, Ohio and Missouri. In May of 1947, she wrote to Mother Immaculate saying: “I believe sincerely that God has called me to become a Sister of St. Francis. After having renewed my vows for three years, I’m convinced it’s the life for me!”

On August 12, 1947, Sister Miriam Patrice made her final profession of vows. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Francis in 1961 and did additional coursework in education at Central Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

In the “third chapter” of her life, Sister Miriam Patrice brought energy and enthusiasm to a variety of ministries at Our Lady of Angels from 1978-1992. She served as an assistant in the Activity Department, as a receptionist and as a trusted companion to many sisters. From 1992-1996, she enthusiastically responded to the invitation to tutor Native American children at Holy Family/St. Francis at Red Cliff in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

These also proved to be some of the happiest years of her life.

Sr. Miriam Patrice brought enthusiasm and energy to all of her ministries.

Upon her return to Joliet in 1996, she dedicated the final fourteen years of her life to community service and the ministry of prayer. With gentleness, simplicity, and kindness, Sr. Miriam Patrice joyfully lived her Franciscan vocation.

Did you know...

Sister John Rooney had great empathy for the poverty-stricken. This was evidenced through her collection of clothing and other necessities for the families who were affected by the temporary closing of the coal mines and glass works in Streator, Illinois during the 1870’s.

Sister John, who was the superior at St. Stephen’s in Streator, asked the Mother

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Superior to dispense the people from paying tuition during the closure. In return, the families provided the Sisters with fresh vegetables and other food. When the labor conditions improved and the mines were once again in operation, these same families paid the Sisters the salaries that had been due them. The families were very grateful to Sister John for caring for them during this time of extreme need.

At Journey’s End - Sister Mary Ann Schnelker, OSF Sister Mary Ann Schnelker died on Sunday, January 9, 2011. Born in Crestline, Ohio on February 3, 1937 to Joseph and Mary Schnelker, Mary Ann was the eldest of six children. Baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Church in Galion, Ohio, she was educated at St. Joseph’s School and St. Patrick’s School, also in Galion, Ohio. As an aspirant with the Sisters of St. Francis, Mary Ann attended St. Francis Academy in Joliet, Illinois.

She entered the Congregation as a postulant on September 6, 1954. The following year, on August 13, 1955, she was received into the novitiate and given the name Sr. Daniel Marie. Two years later, she made her first profession and enthusiastically embarked upon a thirty-year ministry of d i i t ti iin Illi i and Ohio, teaching and elementary school administration Illinois a career for which she was prepared at the College of St. Francis and Northern Illinois University. Making her final profession in August of 1960, she definitively embraced the Franciscan way of life. Inspired from her youth to give praise to God always and everywhere, Sister Mary Ann cultivated her natural gifts as a musician, artist and intuitive mechanic, generously setting her talents at the service of the people of God. She took a brief sabbatical in 1987 and returned to her alma mater to share her newly acquired abilities in computer science with the students at St. Francis Academy. In 1990, she readily made available to Joliet Catholic Academy her organizational and secretarial skills.

From 2000-2004, she generously served as the General Secretary of the Congregation. Through the years, she remained involved in a variety of volunteer ministries at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Sr. Mary Ann received the Christus Award Home as well as other special projects close to her heart. Most in 2009 for her work at the Upper Room recently, she served as office manager for the Upper Room Crisis Crisis Hotline where she volunteered.

Hotline from 2007-1010.

Sister Mary Ann’s life was characterized by “striving,” a word she often used to describe herself in her correspondence with others. From young adulthood, she was no stranger to sickness, the burden of treatments, and physical limitations. She faced the challenges of life – both expected and unexpected - with courage and creativity. Entering ever more deeply into the Paschal mystery, she embraced life as a disciple and as a dreamer. Eager to expand her knowledge of the healing arts, “for her own sake and that of others,” she discovered that God had gifted her with an inner power and grace-filled energy to mend broken hearts, calm anxious spirits, and soothe pain-filled bodies. Known for her gentle humor, her abiding concern for others, and her amazing resiliency, Sister Mary Ann was a daughter, sister, teacher, administrator, mentor, patient, healer, friend and companion, whose life was prayerfully centered in God. Her joy-filled capacity for love was without measure. When asked what section of our Constitutions was most reflective of her own convictions about life in community, she cited §9 and §10: “We treasure one another as we share our possessions and talents, our joys and sorrows, our ideals and our very selves. We are sensitive to one another as we bear each other’s burdens with compassion.” Indeed, Sister Mary Ann lived what she believed.

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At Journey’s End - Sister M. Eugene Belmonte, OSF Sister M. Eugene Belmonte died on Thursday, March 3, 2011. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 17, 1918 to Maria and Eugene Belmonte. Assunta Veronica was one of seven children. As a child, Suzy, as she was known, attended St. Callistus Parish. In 1932, she graduated from St. Mary’s High School and began working in an office. She became a postulant of the Sisters of St. Francis in 1945 at the age of 26. She entered the novitiate the same year and was given the religious name of Sister Mary Eugene. Two years later, she made her first profession of vows. She studied at the College of St. Francis. Sister Eugene knew she wanted to teach young children. Prior to making her final profession of vows in 1950, she wrote in her letter of request to Mother Immaculate the following words: “I hope that with the grace of God I may be able to do His work for many, many years. I realize I can never be thankful enough for this great privilege of teaching His little ones how to love Him and to bring them closer to Christ.” Sister Eugene spent 43 years as an elementary school teacher and religious educator, mostly in Chicago, but also in Ohio.

When her years as a teacher were finished, Sister Eugene involved herself wholeheartedly with a project she had begun earlier – making as many rosaries as possible for the missionaries, seminarians, young people, families and friends. It is said that during her lifetime, she oversaw the making of thousands of rosaries, of which over 9,000 went to Africa alone.

Sister Eugene was very proud of her Italian heritage. She enjoyed translating an occasional newspaper article, a prayer, a poem or a story. When asked “Come stai?” she would energetically respond, “Bene, molto bene!” Sister Eugene will be remembered for the life she spent per l’amore di Dio – for the love of God.

Not only did Sister Eugene (sitting) love to make rosaries for the missions, seminarians, families and young people, but she got others to help her make them as well.

In Memoriam - Associate Gerarda Seemayer A Associate Gerarda Seemayer died on February 15, 2011. She was born in Colville, Washington aand grew up in Harvey, Illinois. She had one brother and was the mother of five sons. Gerarda w was a member of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Bourbonnais, Illinois. She has aalso served as a Eucharistic Minister and assisted with the RCIA program. She was a volunteer aat a local nursing home and for Catholic Charities.

W Widowed in 2000, Gerarda was diagnosed a few years later with breast cancer. In 2003, she m met Sister Anita Beloin at a Hospice Support Group and became interested in the Third Order Franciscans. In 2005, she was professed as a secular Franciscan. Wanting to deepen her commitment as a Franciscan, through the encouragement of Sister Helen Vahling and the other Sisters at the House of Prayer, Gerarda made her commitment as an Associate of the Joliet Franciscan in 2008. Sister Helen was her companion Sister.

We are grateful for the time that Gerarda spent as an Associate and friend to the Joliet Franciscans. She now enjoys the presence of God whom she loved and served.

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Mark Your Calendars Prayer Evenings You are invited to join us at one of the following Prayer Evenings at the Joliet Franciscan Center, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet. Light refreshments follow prayer. Bring a friend or two. For more information, please call 815-725- 8735.

Upcoming Prayer Evening dates are: - Tuesday, April 26th - Tuesday, May 24th

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.

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

Upcoming Prayer Breakfast dates are: - Wednesday, May 18th (Men) - Wednesday, July 13th (All) - Wednesday, September 14th (Men) - Wednesday, October 12th (Women)

2011 Jubilee - Saturday, June 18th Eleven Sisters will celebrate their 50th, 60th and 75th jubilees during a 10:30AM Eucharistic Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet, IL. Check our website at www.jolietfranciscans.org/news/our-jubilarians for more information or call the Joliet Franciscan Center at 815-725-8735.

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.

• 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 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.

22nd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast Sunday, October 16th, 4PM Celebrate with us at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

There will be a silent auction and cash raffle. Tickets are $90.00. 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 815-725-8735, x116.

4th Annual “Come To The Stable” Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, December 11th This is a perfect way to spend a December afternoon in preparation for Christmas. Light holiday refreshments will be available. To display your Nativity scene, please call 815-725-8735, x116.

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 22nd Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast October 16, 2011 Bolingbrook Golf Club Begins at 4:00 p.m.

Visit us at www.jolietfranciscans.org

Protecting God’s Children Workshop