Confianca Magazine - Summer 2013

Confianรงa 80th Jubilee

SUMMER 2013 / A Publication of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate - Joliet, IL

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

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

Copy Editors Sr. Carlene Howell Jennifer Cmolik

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Meet My Ministry

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Associate’s Corner

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Jubilarians

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Associates’ Second Trip to Alabama

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At Journey’s End

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Calend ar

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A Welcome from Sister Dolores Zemont Dear Friends, I recently returned from a trip to Italy where I attended meetings in both Assisi and Rome. I am sure that every religious Sister from every Franciscan Congregation hopes to have the opportunity to visit Assisi at least once during her religious life to see the many Franciscan sites and to be able to walk the same streets that our beloved St. Francis walked.

While in Assisi, I attended the International Third Order Regular Conference of Major Superiors. The highlight of the days was hearing from Franciscan Sisters who minister in Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa and Italy.

I learned that in Kenya, the entire Congregation’s membership is indigenous! Their Congregation ministers to children who were orphaned because of AIDS. Pakistan, as we know, is a Muslim country, but there are 10 convents. The harsh reality of the Sisters’ lives is that they are often pelted with stones and bitten when in public. The Sisters ministering in South Africa acknowledge that they need to step outside of their comfort zone and become more of a force in that country.

A big surprise came from a Congregation in Italy. Did you know that there is actually a Franciscan cloistered Congregation? They have a papal cloister, are in full habit and have three monasteries in Italy.

Leaving Assisi, I traveled to Rome where I participated in the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) Assembly. There were 800 Sisters representing Congregations from 76 countries. We listened to wonderful speakers, prayed and learned that many of our hopes and concerns for religious life and the Church are shared around the globe. Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life & Societies of Apostolic Life, celebrated Mass and answered some of our questions.

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.

© 2013 - Joliet Franciscans

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One of the highlights of my time in Rome was our private audience with Pope Francis. He spoke to us, in Italian, for about 25 minutes. He closed his remarks to us with these words: “Dear Sisters, you may be sure that I follow you with affection. I pray for you, but please also pray for me.

Please greet your Communities for me, especially the sick and the young Sisters. I encourage everyone to follow with parresia and with joy the Gospel of Christ. Be joyful, for it is beautiful to follow Jesus, it is beautiful to become a living icon of Our Lady and of our hierarchical Holy Mother Church. Thank you.”

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Advancing the Mission

We continue our “Meet My Ministry” series by introducing you to Sister Rita Vahling. Sister Rita is the Director of Pastoral Care at OLA. She began her “ministry of presence” there in 2009. Early in her ministry, Sister Rita chatted with Sister Verna Furiel who was a resident in the final stages of her life, but who had ministered as a Hospice Chaplain. She asked Sister Verna to share what the most important lesson was that she should remember at the start of this new ministry. Sister Verna’s response was, “Just love them!”

As a reminder, part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 states that individuals 70 ½ years or older may make a charitable contribution directly from an IRA of up to $100,000 through Nagl 2013 without paying Nan Director of Mission Advancement income tax on IRA funds. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.jolietfranciscans.org/supportthe-sisters/support-the-sisters.

Associate Harry Davis shares his story, Baby Oliver: ”Requiescat in pace,” a beautiful and emotionally-touching piece about one of the most challenging times a family can face.

Through it all, Harry knew that God was by his side, listening to him, and gently saying to him, “I know.”

The 2012 Annual Reflection is available on our website at www.jolietfranciscans. org/support-the-sisters/annual-report. To be respectful of the environment, we will not print the Annual Reflection.

The 24th Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast is scheduled for Sunday, October 27 at the Bolingbrook Golf Club at 3PM. The beneficiary is the Mission & Ministry in the U.S. and Brazil.

For several years the Congregation has honored individuals with the Mother Alfred Moes Award and Joliet Franciscan Heritage Awards. This year the honorees for the 2013 Mother Alfred Moes Award are Roberta Spencer, South Bend, Indiana, and Tom Garlitz, Joliet, Illinois. For the first time, the Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award will be presented to an organization. The Congregation has chosen the Joliet Area Community Hospice for its 30 years of serving the greater Joliet community. We will share more about our honorees in the next issue of Confiança.

You are remembered in the prayers of our Sisters. Please know you make a difference in not only their lives, but the lives of those to whom they minister.

Please continue your financial support of the Sisters by considering a gift through an appeal, remembering them in your estate plans, or making a donation through this publication. We appreciate all that you do.

Hello Everyone!

Without a doubt, the Jubilee issue of Confiança is our absolute favorite issue to produce. Confiança’s editor, Lucy Sanchez, and I always enjoy learning more about our Sisters who are celebrating their Jubilees. We are confident that you will, too!

Until next time, enjoy the miracle of each new day.

On behalf of all the Joliet Franciscan Sisters, I send you our best wishes for a wonderful summer filled with time for family and friends. Please pray for those who have been, or will be, affected by the violent storms that often accompany warmer weather.

We thank you for all that you do for us through your spiritual and financial support. You are always remembered in our prayers.

Peace and everything good, Sister Dolores Zemont, OSF Si D l Zemont President

Sister DZ and other Franciscan Sisters in front of one of the Churches in Rome.

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Meet My Ministry Meet Sister Rita Vahling who is the Director of Pastoral Care at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA.) She has been there since 2009 and finds her ministry to be one of love.

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s Director of Pastoral Care at OLA, it is my responsibility and privilege to provide and tend to the spiritual needs of our residents, staff and families of residents, as well as my other administrative duties.

At OLA a very vital piece of “holistic quality care” is to attend to the spiritual and physical needs of our residents. This has been a priority from the foundation of OLA, which is why it is very significant that the Chapel is at the center of the building and accessible from every wing both on the first and second floors.

This in itself speaks of our commitment to the spiritual care of our residents. The Chapel is used every day for Mass, for private and group prayer as well as for special events and celebrations. The Chapel is open to all denominations as together we make our journey into the heart of God. I began my ministry at OLA in the autumn of 2009.

At that time, our Sr.Verna Furiel was a resident here, preparing for her transition from this life into the wondrous mystery of eternal life in God. Sr. Verna had ministered for many years as a Hospice Chaplain, and I wanted to begin my ministry at OLA by learning from her wisdom. One day, in conversation with Verna, I asked her, “What is the most important lesson you have for me as I begin my ministry here?” Her response to me was brief, simple and yet all encompassing. She said, “Just love them!”

by their kind and loving presence. I trust we find one another’s ministry mutually supportive. Again, when I began my ministry at OLA, Hospice Chaplain Deacon Tom Marciani gave me another treasured bit of advice to set me on my path of pastoral care at OLA. He said, “Your pastoral ministry here is ‘heart work.’ ” On the wall above my computer desk hangs a beautiful painting created by our own renowned Franciscan artist, Sr. Kay Francis Berger. The words of St. Francis of Assisi on this art piece are: We are the Servants of God whose Mission is to lift up people’s hearts!

These words have become my own personal mission statement and summarize my goal as Director of Pastoral Care at OLA. Since we no longer have a full time Chaplain to serve us as in past years, I am on the phone or email inviting area priests to celebrate daily Eucharist with us.

The priests have been very generous in responding to our needs, serving our residents and guests with daily

Pastoral Care is a Ministry of Presence. I make it my practice to be available and attentive to each person I meet throughout the day. Sometimes I wave or just smile. I adopted the mindset that there are no interruptions. Whoever comes to me or whomever I meet in the hallways are the reasons I am here.

Another blessing in my pastoral care ministry is the relationship with the Hospice staff. I am so inspired 4

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Sister Rita spends time with the “Journey of Life” group as they gather to share their stories.

Photo by: Sr. Marianne Saieg, OSF

Mass and the Sacrament of Penance each week and the Anointing of the Sick as needed. Since October of 2012, we have not missed a day without a priest coming to celebrate Eucharist with us. We are grateful for their kindness and willingness to serve us at OLA. It seems they enjoy coming here as much as we enjoy having them. Music is an important part of good Liturgy and we are blessed with musicians who enhance our liturgical celebrations.

Each year we remember those who have entered eternal life the previous year by a special Memorial Service in our beautiful Chapel. Relatives, friends, staff, hospice personnel, Sisters of St. Francis and residents come together to pray for and remember them. Each year we also celebrate the Communal Anointing of the Sick for our residents and others in our broader OLA community. All are welcome.

On weekends, the crowd in Chapel swells with many guests from around town who come to worship with us. We welcome them as their presence enriches us.

They show their support through contributions, which help us continue our religious services, providing the necessary supplies including hosts, wine, books, decorations, flowers and, most importantly, the celebrants, musicians and so much more! When I collect and ccount the donations, I say a prayer of tthanksgiving and ppray that the donnors be abundantly bblessed in return.

I feel indebted to sseveral volunteers who have assisted w me in a variety of m ways in the minisw ttry of pastoral care hhere at OLA. I am ggrateful for the support and assistance Sister Rita visits with OLA resident, p

given by our Sisters at OLA. Sister Pat Mitchell, who responds to calls in the evenings and weekends especially when a resident is in a dying condition, is there to pray with the person and his or her family.

I am also blessed with the presence of Sister Jane Nienaber, who responds to emergency calls and Sister Rita shares her thoughts Sisters Martha Kien- during the OLA Memorial Mass. zler and Elaine R. Schneider who help with the Chapel. Much gratitude for the time and talents of Sister Rose Marie Surwilo, who shares every Friday visiting residents and assisting with a variety of pastoral activities.

I am grateful to the Welcoming Committee which provides new residents with helpful information, including information about Pastoral Care, Mass in Chapel or Communion in their rooms. Thanks to Sisters Dorothy Kinsella and Lucille Adelmann, who initiated the “Journey of Life” group and our two lay residents, George Fehrenbacher and Loretta Creely, who joined them in providing residents with an opportunity to gather and share their stories.

It is all of us together, whether staff, residents, families, visitors, or volunteers, that we practice the Gospel message of Love! It is then that we can be assured that we are doing “heart work,” loving them and being present wherever we are. Surely, then, we are living the words of St. Francis, calling us to be Servants of God whose mission is to lift up people’s hearts! This is the healing mission of Jesus, to provide holistic quality care within a loving and life-giving environment.

Corinne Albrecht.

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Associate’s Corner Baby Oliver: “Requiescat in pace” (May you rest in peace)

My wife Nancy and I eagerly received the news

that our middle daughter, Terri, and her husband, Jon, were expecting their second child. Charlie, their first, was 2 1/2 years old, a bright, sensitive and happy child who charmed all who met him.

While Charlie was a month early, his delivery went smoothly and his overall development soon met, then surpassed the norm for his age. The second pregnancy was assumed to be a breeze. Not so.

Around the 18th week of her pregnancy, while Terri was undergoing a routine ultra-scan, the technician summoned the doctor, and noted that there seemed to be something not quite developmentally right. They had Terri return in a week so they could be sure and after double and triple checking, announced that the baby had no kidneys and could not survive.

One uses the word “devastated” to describe a reaction to something like standing water in the basement. We were more than devastated. We were depleted, crushed. Developing human life had been snatched away from the baby and us. It was wrong, cruel, unfair and heartless. It was all this and more.

Feelings of hurt and anger enveloped Terri and Jon as they wrestled with the decision of what to do next. All of us grandparents assured them of our support regardless of their decision. As for me I rushed to my computer and Googled “Bilateral Renal Agenesis.” (What a horribly clinical name for a death sentence.) I added “theological opinions.” Lo and behold theologians were divided as to morally permissible options for parents to consider when facing such a horror. Terri and Jon prayed, consulted, prayed some more and then decided.

Near the twentieth week of Terri’s pregnancy, December 6, 2011, in the normally hopeful and joyous

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surroundings of a birthing room of a local hospital, labor was induced.

The nurses had ready both a birth and death certificate.

Doctors had informed them that Oliver’s heart was strong and he might survive the birth, but definitely could Harry shares a special moment with not live outside his grandson, Baby Oliver. the womb for more than a few hours. After about 12 hours, baby Oliver was a stillborn at 9 inches and 10 ounces.

Prayers were said by an attending chaplain and the death certificate was completed and signed.

Terri and Jon decided to take pictures of Oliver’s entry into and passage from this world. They have composed a scrapbook honoring Oliver to share with those who wish to view it. There are some who feel honored and seize the opportunity. Others respectfully decline. And that’s okay.

I had been with the family in the evening when the inducing process had begun. How do you describe the atmosphere appropriate for a wake in a birthing room brightly and happily decorated to welcome new life? Terri had been told by the doctors that it was unclear how long the process would take, so I was told to go home and come back in the morning. Nancy stayed overnight on a couch in the room. I received a call the next morning and was told that baby Oliver entered and departed this world at 5:30 a.m.

Upon arriving I was given the privilege of holding my fourth grandchild - something I could easily do with one hand. For some strange reason, I began to rock him. I remember expressing, as the tears flowed, “I am so glad I have my faith.” Nancy

started to wipe my tears, but I begged her off - let them flow. Wrapped in the tiniest of blankets, with his red, almost translucent head, shoulders, arms and hands, fingers as well as legs webbed together, he looked asleep and peaceful. I could even arrange his hand to his face as if to prepare him to suck his thumb. Mesmerized by the sight and feel, I found myself in awe of the mighty power of life and death.

Believe it or not, that gives me great comfort. Baby Oliver’s death was not and is not any part of God’s plan, I believe, even though my faith convinces me that baby Oliver is basking in God’s presence now and forever.

“I am so glad I have my faith”

Back to the present. The hurt is still there, just less overwhelming. Terri has a custom tattoo on her right foot instep honoring baby Oliver. She has an ornamental figure of an Angel in her garden. Charlie will talk tenderly of his baby brother who died “because his body wouldn’t work and that it was an accident.”

Terri and Jon are ready to add to their family.

A sidebar, if I may. Sharing the story has brought many reactions from family, friends and neighbors. Occasionally, in their sincere expressions of sympathy, they will pose some -Harry Davis notion that we never know God’s will, or what His plans for us might Among the wonderful things the hospital did be, or that there is a good reason for it. I don’t buy for Terri was to provide a few powerful, moving it. I can’t buy it. books, written by women who experienced the same loss. While reading them, I came across a pasMy image of God’s presence with and for me sage that has given me great peace of mind. I have whenever horrendous events like this occur is taken the words and personalized them. So whensomewhat simple and maybe unsettling to some. ever the topic of grandchildren comes up I proudly I imagine God next to me, putting his arm around announce that I have four: three are walking and me as I complain bitterly about the unfairness of it one is soaring. all, and His saying ever so gently, “I know, I know.”

Meet our Newest Associates From left: Kathleen Dunne, Dorothy Resh, Karen Kietzman, Lynette Shea, Linda Hanner, Frances Wenzel, Patricia Austin and Patricia Kinney.

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Congratulations to our 2013 Jubilarians On June 15, 2013, we honored seventeen Sisters celebrating their Jubilee during Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet. Through their years of ministry, these remarkable Sisters have served in schools, parishes, social service agencies, dioceses, and in countless other ministries both in the U.S. and Brazil. Each Sister is a unique individual who serves God and His people in whatever way she is called.

We are grateful for their presence in our lives and ask God’s blessings on them in their Jubilee year. As of the printing of this article, we did not receive Irmã Rita Cristina Lima dos Santos’ (celebrating 15 years) reflection.

Mother Alfred Moes, Foundress of the Congregation

You can read their entire stories on our website at:

www.jolietfranciscans.org/news/our-jubilarians All our jubilarian pictures were taken by Mr. Ron Molk

Sister Mary E. Franz Sister Mary, the oldest of the Joliet Franciscan Sisters, is a volunteer at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home and Guardian Angel Home.

“I’m grateful to God for the many gifts He gave me to share with others.

My teaching career began with the elementary grades and then went on to the high school and college levels of math and science. I’ve taught Chinese adult students and other nationalities also, to learn the English language. I’ve always enjoyed my teaching

Sister Kathleen Kirk Although now retired, Sister Kathleen ministered for many years in an area she loved, music.

She stated that “she was always grateful to pursue a musical career, because her parents made sacrifices to give her the opportunity to take piano, violin and dancing lessons in spite of the fact that it was depression time.” Sister Kathleen’s music ministry took her to grade and high schools throughout Illinois and Ohio. In 1969 she spent a year teaching Music Education at the University of San Carlos in the Philippines.

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80th 80th years. In parish ministry, I’ve been involved in and director of the Rite of Christian Initiation in three diff i erent e e parishes pa is es in i Ohio.

O io I’ve I e ministered i is e e aalso so to o the he sick and dying and assisted the families in the preparation on of wakes and liturgies. liturgie

I’ve empted “to take one day at a time” and be ’ve att ttempted mindful ul of the present needs of the moment, and tried ried to be of service in whatever situation occurred.

This his has been my ministry throughout my life; this is Gospel living. I live my religious life in Community with St. Francis as my inspiration and model in living out the Franciscan life of Gospel values, in particular, in service to others, acknowledging that God is the Creator of all things. This belief and action goes on day after day, and all of my life. There is no retirement in service to others and being mindful of God’s presence in all of creation.”

Sister Kathleen retired from teaching duties in 1980 and ministered in clerical and bookkeeping positions for the next nine years. From 1989 until 1994, she served as a Crisis Line Volunteer Operator. A few years later, Sister Kathleen ministered in Pastoral Care at St. Raymond Cathedral in Joliet, retiring from active ministry in 2009.

As for what being Franciscan means to Sister Kathleen, she says, “I surely feel rewarded in the fact that my sister Mary (Sister Vincent) and I were Franciscans, my brother Bill studied with the Franciscans, but was ordained for the newly established Joliet diocese. But my biggest reward was the fact that my mother and dad were very active in the Third Order of Franciscans at St. Peter’s in Chicago and Mayslake. We were a real Franciscan family.”

Sister Mariarthur Hamann “What a challenge and gift now after almost 60 years of active ministry to pull out the varied threads and joys that created meaning and richness in my lengthy life, 80 years s a Joliet Franciscan Sister!

I was immersed in a blizzard of activities and responsibilities as a teacher, organist, principal, diocesan school consultant, diocesan director of teacher personnel, director and manager of the

Sister Anne Flaska Sister Anne lives contemplatively at OLA. One of her favorite memories is her time in Alabama and Chicago She says, “I have memories of St. Mary’s in Fairfield, Alabama, teaching kindergarten and later first grade. It was a poor but very happy experience. I taught in Chicago Public Schools (Fulton) for 20 years. I was appointed ‘Head Teacher’ of the first and second graders and I was also elected Union Delegate.”

Sister Dorothy Clare Zuleski “As a young child, even before I started school, I remember seeing two of our Franciscan Sisters walking to the corner mailbox. At that moment, I knew that I wanted to be a Sister and a librarian. Happily, I got to do both! In 1950, after graduating from college at Notre Dame College in Ohio, I entered St. Francis Convent in Joliet, Illinois.

I then took courses at CSF and later earned my M.A. in Library Science from Rosary College (Dominican University) in River Forest, Illinois.”

After teaching children for many years, Sr. Dorothy felt drawn to work with adults. She completed her CPE courses and was hired as a hospital chaplain,

80th 75th 60th Will County Multiple Sclerosis office and finally adult education teacher at Joliet Junior College. All were blest with challenges, successes, failures and occasional blahs.

Now my daily challenge is to balance my love relationship with my Lord as I pray, contemplate, read spirituality and elsewise, write letters, phone, visit, do crosswords, play computer Scrabble, etc. - all done alone or in community living. I tire easily. Old age takes a special kind of courage. It brings with it its own gifts and often pains so varied in sorts. Ninetyplus years are too few to adequately thank my God, my spouse, for all that has been and will be. Uphold me, God, forever!”

When asked, “What does living the Franciscan religious life mean to you?” Sister Anne answers, “Using my talents for others in a simple lifestyle. I received my vocation literally overnight on Friday, August 12, 1937. ‘You have not chosen Me…I have chosen you,’ are the words of my spouse, Jesus. The next day after Mass, I spoke to Sister Clarine about my intentions to enter. Then I went home and told my Mother who rejoiced with me…but not my Dad.

“I taught first grade and adult prayer service for most of my 75 years. The love and success of this service I attribute to the grace of God. Also, I am most grateful for more than 90 years of life. Alleluia!”

a ministry that lasted 15 years. She then became a member of our Congregation’s St. Clare House of Prayer.

“Living the Franciscan religious life is a loving, graced challenge. It’s a challenge to love God with my whole heart, soul and strength and to love my neighbors as myself. It’s a challenge to be increasingly more appreciative of every atom of creation while discovering the treasures that God created within my heart and in his world. It’s a daily challenge to be so mindful of the poor, homeless and unemployed and that they become my prayer focus. It’s a challenge to truly make the prayer, ‘My God and my ALL,’ my personal reality. So I pray and humbly accept as a challenge the words of St. Francis, ‘I have found what is mine to do; may God teach me what is mine to do’.”

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2013 Jubilarians continued Sister Marilyn Franze Sister Marilyn Jean supported her Sisters who were on mission in Illinois, Ohio and Alabama. She ministered in food service for over 50 years. Since retiring, she continues to serve as a volunteer at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home.

Sister Marilyn’s special memory is of the year she spent at St. Mary School in Fairfield, Alabama. “The

Sister Anna Konrath “The Lord says, ‘I stand at the door and knock.’ I wonder if He was surprised when He saw me; an energetic, ambitious, independent, dare-devilish woman, opening the door of my heart to Him? What kind of greeting was He expecting to get from me?

I think both the Lord and I were surprised at that meeting. But it’s clear He had plans for me!

I attended St. Theodore Grade School, staffed by the Holy Cross Sisters. When I was a 7th grader, they invited me to attend their Reception and Profession

Sister Lucille Krippel Sister Lucille Krippel is the manager of the John Zay Guest House in Colorado Springs, Colorado. John Zay Guest House is a hospitality residence available for outpatients receiving treatment through Penrose-St. Francis Health Services.

Sister Lou (as she is affectionately known) has an M.Ed from DePaul University in Chicago, IL; an M.A. in Counseling from the University of Colorado at

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60th 60th 60th year I was assigned to our mission in Alabama was rewarding. Working with the children at St. Mary’s was an enriching and different ministry. It was a pleasure to see their smiles and joy when I gave them a small treat for doing a little errand. I loved the children there. They always wanted to help me.

Unfortunately, my time in the South was brief. I was then called to serve in Ohio.”

Sister Marilyn goes on to say, “For me, living the Franciscan religious life means serving others graciously, whole-heartedly and generously. I try to see Jesus in each person.”

ceremonies. I was so impressed that I wanted to join them then, but was told to wait until I had finished high school. I attended Sacred Heart High School where I met the Joliet Franciscans. Sister Celestine saw in me that I ‘had what it takes,’ and invited me to enter the Joliet Franciscans. I completed my senior year at St. Francis Academy in 1950 as a postulant.

The Lord persistently knocked on the door of my heart. I opened my heart wider as I made my first vows in 1953. I wanted a deeper relationship with Jesus. The Franciscan charism of caring for and loving all of creation would help me attain this.

My parents gifted me with faith, strength, honesty and trust to do what is right. That’s why I continue to open the door of my heart when the Lord knocks. He knocks often.”

Colorado Springs, CO; and an M.A. in Pastoral Care from St. Thomas University in Denver, CO. Over the years she has served in a variety of ministries as well as in Congregation Administration.

Speaking of her present ministry, Sister Lou said, “I enjoy radiating Christ’s love and service to the patients and families at the Hospital Guest House. To me living a Franciscan religious life means following Francis and Clare in living the Gospel of Jesus in my everyday life of prayer and ministry. I love living in the mountains of Colorado which help me to put life and living in perspective. God is so present in the beauty all around us.”

Sister Margaret Rose Sczesniak “What a graced and happy opportunity I’ve been given to reflect upon my religious life and upon my past and present ministry; I recall the many and varied, gifted ‘Memory Moments’ within it.

My actual memory box contains a variety of mementos reminding me of family, Congregation members, students, friends, places and events, which have brought me to this joyous occasion - my 60th Jubilee of Religious life. These are ‘Memory

Sister Kathryne Francis Berger Sister Kay Francis is a well known artist for her Franciscan works. “I love working in sculpture as well as both drawing and painting. In the past, I spent six weeks in Assisi, deepening my love of both St. Francis and St. Clare. I have used my creative gifts of painting, sculpting and sketching in all of my ministries. Presently, I am blessed with my ‘Canticle Studio’ where I continue expressing my love of ‘Our Creator’.

Since my third grade class at SS Peter and Paul School in Merrillville, Indiana, I had fallen in love with St.

60th 60th 50th Moments’ – moments of surprise, pride, joy, pain, loss, frustration, ustration, happiness, challenge, love and trust in thee future. These are “Memory Moments” reminding mee of the Covenant made long ago, with a faithful, fait generous enerous us and loving God.

My present ministry of ‘prayer and praise’ here at Our Lady ady of Angels Retirement Home is not a new one, for I have tried to do just that in my other ministries of education, ducation, family care and clowning as “Blossom” the th clown. own.

Today, I am most grateful for the many opportunities, support and encouragement I’ve been given along the way. I’m grateful for all of my ‘Memory Moments.’”

Francis through the stories about him. As a child, I loved to draw and express my feelings through my art and thus came the Francis and Clare themes from then until now and beyond this day. Clare and Francis became the ‘heart’ of my art work.

Always I have loved to express, through my Godgiven gift of creating, God’s love of nature and the love of creatures showing the true Franciscan ideals. All God’s wonderful gifts to us (nature, animals, plants) all expressions in the universe, bring joy and creativity through my heart and hands.

As a follower of Francis, I joyfully try to respond to the needs of others, wherever, whenever, I can.”

One year I was invited to take over the ‘Living with Loss’ support group for students who have lost someone significant in death. That same year another person asked me to be the Campus Minister with the GLBTA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, ally) Sister Kathleen is a Campus Minister at the University of Dayton community. As months went by the Spirit gave me the insight that students in both of those groups are (UD). ‘vulnerable and misunderstood’ - and that felt very Franciscan to me! Since that time I’ve been invited to “Living a Franciscan Religious Life has come to be minister with our International students, who are also best expressed for me in my ministry as a person of ‘vulnerable and misunderstood.’ presence, hospitality, and reaching out to those who are ‘different’. These past 24 years I have been at a Besides loving these ministries, I see how they have Marianist University (University of Dayton) whose allowed me to experience the integration of being well known charism is community. I prayed during a Franciscan at a Marianist University. And I am so my beginning years for a way to bring our Franciscan grateful...” charism to the UD community.

Sister Kathleen Rossman

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2013 Jubilarians continued Sister Odelia Kloc Sister Odelia currently ministers at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet as a Life Enrichment Coordinator and Music Therapist.

“During my 22 ½ years in Brazil, I fondly recall my home visits there to the poor and, due to lack of transportation, taking emergency trips to the hospital to accompany those who were ill. In my present ministry at OLA Retirement Home, I cherish the smiles I receive from the elderly when I visit them in their rooms and we sing together.

Sister Margaret Hoffman Sister Margaret is a teacher at St. Charles Preparatory School in Columbus, Ohio.

“I have so many special memories of my 47 years of teaching teenagers. These years have been filled with witnessing the enthusiasm of youth and the sincerity of generation after generation of students who ever so quickly grow to be parents and grandparents.

There is the girl who reminds me when we meet that I sewed the zipper in her uniform, the boy who spent several hours during Christmas break with Sister Margaret Duffy and me because I insisted that his senior paper had to be done before the vacation ended and the boy who stopped in my room, and, seeing a long line of students for after-school conferences, said he was going to Wendy’s and could he bring something back for me. A freshman stopped me on the stairs recently, looked me squarely in the face and said, “Sister, how are you REALLY?” The papers assigned, graded, proofed, planned are the work of the profession, but the unexpected and loving interactions are what have made the profession graced. I am grateful for each face and the souls that shine through them.

50th 50th Every day is a new experience in living a Franciscan religious life. Contemplation in prayer, being in God’s God s presence in a quiet way, helps me to know what God is asking me to do throughout the day. Contemplation in nature re lets me be in awe with the unfolding unfoldin of a flower er or stand in awe before a scene in nature.

Francis ncis gave importance to fraternity so I feel it is important ortant to be attentive to your Sisters and their needs, offering support through prayer, conversation, cards, telephone calls and visits, especially when they are in the hospital. Our Franciscan spirit should go out to everyone by a welcoming attitude of peace and gentleness.”

I was introduced to Franciscan theology later in life y in our community y who had our Sisters in than many school. I entered the Joliet Franciscan Congregation Sister because off the home visits of my aunts, Sisters et and Mary Duffy. I admire, however, however the Margaret at Francis imitated the life of Jesus perhaps fact that moree closely than any known individual ever has.

The truths of incarnation, simplicity of life, treasuring he earth, solidarity with the poor are all appealing the qualities of our heritage that we are charged with the responsibility of demonstrating to the world. For me, h duty d h wherever h it seems that requires that we can we must use the resources of our educations, contacts, spirituality, talents, diplomacy to help others meet the needs of the most vulnerable.”

Photo by: Ron Molk

60th Jubilarian Class. Top Left: Sisters Marilyn, Margaret Rose, Lucille. Bottom Left: Dorothy Clare, Anna and Kay Francis.

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Sister Maria Pesavento Sister Maria Pesavento currently ministers at Joliet Catholic Academy.

More recently she was the CEO at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (OLA) and also served as the Congregation’s president from 2000 to 2004.

“It is difficult for me to narrow down my varied ministries to one special memory. I have enjoyed each of them throughout these years. As a high school teacher at Bishop Ready H.S. Columbus, Ohio, I was instrumental in setting up a program that kept students with chemical addictions in school rather than expulsion. This program encouraged treatment and support. In walking with my Sisters, I was always edified by their faith and trust, especially as they

Irmã Lucia Martins Ferreira Ministering in Santa Helena, Brazil, Irmã (Sister) Lucia is a Parish School and Ministry Coordinator.

She says, “When I received the invitation to write a reflection about my ministry and my Franciscan living as a Joliet Franciscan, many experiences came to my mind in a flash. I remember many facts, especially the uncertainty and insecure moments in which I felt

Sister MaryAnn Jerkofsky “I have been especially changed by the year-long CPE residency I served at Swedish Medical Center in Colorado. As a hospital chaplain in the trauma center, I served as the contact person for those experiencing unexpected and life-changing tragedies. It was a challenge to be authentically present to them in those moments of shock and pain and yet to know that I needed to step back when other family members arrived to take over the comforting role because my role was then finished. I had to learn to balance my desire to be involved and to help in the

50th 25th 15th experienced difficulties in their own lives or their family members’. The highlight of my time in office was the sale of the Motherhouse to the University of St. Francis. With my work at OLA, I learned so much from the residents and staff. The residents taught me that you can indeed grow older gracefully, accepting ations and those of others. The majority of your limitations re so dedicated to making OLA a home and staff were ring the best care possible. delivering

ieve that Franciscan religious life means deep I believe Gospel living. This requires a commitment to pondering the life, mission, values and actions of Jesus and trying to act on them in today’s world. Because of this, Franciscans have been faithful to seeking out unmet needs, to standing with the poor and powerless, to living in solidarity with the earth, to being servant leaders, to being risk takers, to living simply and to welcoming all gratefully into their midst.”

g call to serve my y brothers and sisters. When I a strong look through my life journey and to the depths of my y being, I feel eel satisfaction and happiness with the choice I madee for consecrated life and for keeping my eyes on Jesus, esus, the Divine Master. My personal satisfaction increases eases when I can promote life by helping the children n and the adolescents at school to grow internally rnally and intellectually to be, in the near future, honest onest and kind citizens.”

IIn closing, l i IIrmã ãL i shares, h “I h h ffew words d Lucia hope these can show my happiness and how solidly I believe in God’s love for all His sons and daughters.”

short-term with my need to let others take over, and yet to remain available for anything that was asked of fied me. I had to learn to give up control and to be satisfi ed rforming the he immediate acts that were mine to do. do in performing e, thee hallmark of living Franciscan religious li life To me, mbrace Incarnational Spirituality at the very is to embrace hs of my being. This means accepting that all of depths ion n is good, that Creation exists as a result of the Creation flowing owing love of the Creator, that Creation reflects overfl ature of its Creator, Creator that God is present at every the nature level of Creation, and therefore we need to respect and protect Creation. Francis seems to have known this intuitively in the thirteenth century and Bonaventure added his insights into our understanding of this concept. “

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Associates Make Second Trip to Alabama Fifteen Joliet Franciscan Sisters, Associates and friends once again traveled to Mosses, Alabama in April, to work with Sisters Rosemary Fonck and Kathy Salewski at the Good Shepherd Catholic Center, which is operated by the Edmundite Missions. This is the second time a group has traveled to Mosses to work in this area of Alabama, which is one of the poorest in the United States. The group spent the week working with children, the elderly, doing repair work and cleanup, helping in the food pantry and a variety of other tasks. This trip was sponsored by the Congregation’s Commission on Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Following are a few short stories. You can read more reflections on our website by clicking on: www.jolietfranciscans.org/become-an-associate/whatdoes-it-involve.

Associate Connie Blackwell helps at the food pantry.

By: Natalie Bayci It was a blessing and a gift to spend a week sharing in the ministry of Sisters Rosemary and Kathy. It was amazing to witness all that they do on a day-to-day basis. I ministered at the school in the third grade classroom of Mrs. Watson. She is a marvelous teacher who tries to explain a lesson in different ways. I would say that about one-third of the children will have difficulty graduating from 8th grade and it is not because of the lack of a good teacher or their willingness to learn but because of their disadvantages at home.

Mrs. Watson is a strict teacher (you could hear a pin drop!) I was impressed with how respectful the students were and their kindness to one another and to me. During a test, one of the student’s pencil tip broke and it was his only pencil. Without a word the student across from him reached into his desk and handed him a pencil. Another moment that brought tears to my eyes was in the lunch room. I picked up my tray but did not include a carton of milk. Each student is given two cartons. One of the students got up and placed one of his cartons on my tray. I thanked him and explained that I cannot drink milk and gave the carton back to him. When I left on the last day, they were blowing kisses, thanking me and asking me to return. It was an experience I will never forget.

Sister Sharon and Regina Block fold plastic bags into triangles to save on space.

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By: Sister Sharon Frederick, OSF One of the major responsibilities of Sister Rosemary’s and Kathy’s ministry is the operation of the food pantry. It’s a giant task, to be sure. In order for the food to be distributed to those who come to Good Shepherd Catholic Center, thousands of plastic grocery bags are needed. Given that there is not a lot of space to store these plastic bags, we were taught how to fold them so that they can be stored more efficiently. Honestly, it was a very mundane task and pretty boring, but on the other hand, it was a great task if you like to daydream. At least that’s what I thought, until one day when Tenease, “Te” (one of the workers at the Center) and I drove in a truck to the Montgomery Area Food Bank to pick up donated food for the pantry. I had never been in a food bank, so I found myself quite taken aback, gazing at all the food in the giant warehouse that was ready for distribution. However, what amazed me even more, was seeing all the inmates from the local prison helping us load the truck. And then I thought of the bags. I bet those men would have been very happy folding bags outside the prison walls, free, and looking forward to another sunshiny day. I’m sure those inmates spent many days being bored, doing mundane things, and dreaming of the day they would be free. For me, it was an “alleluia” moment. I thanked God I could continue what I was called to do, meet the needs of the people, even if it meant folding bags.

By: Therese Griffin The week of April 21-27 we visited the Sisters in Mosses, AL. Five of us assisted in the school system with tutoring, (one-onone, group special activities); some visited Senior Centers and did personal home visits; others assisted in the Food Pantry (helping pack bags/boxes and with the distribution of items); others painted homes and performed yard work; two others and I drove a large truck to Huntsville to receive donations for the thrift store in Mosses and Pine Apple.

The story of finding Big Top Toys, Inc. in Hartselle, AL, is a whole story within itself. Both Rita Travis and I were the desJoliet Franciscans (Sister, Associates and friends) ignated drivers to pick up a truckload of donations. The truck we had was a bit rough to maneuver. En route, out of the corner gathered around the playground equipment they helped secure for the children of Mosses, Alabama. of my eye, I saw there was a playground toy car on display in front of a store called Big Top Toys. I prayed that we would have enough room and the money to purchase some of these items for our dream park. Rita smiled and asked, “What can you purchase for $200?” “I’m sure there is something,” I replied. I was told that Big Top Toys doesn’t sell used items; everything they sell is new. However, Mr. Doug Stisher, the manager, said that they just happened to receive a few used items the previous week (he had heard about our plea for a new playground for the children of Mosses.) With the money we had, we purchased a used merry-go-round, a fire truck and other items that were within our budget. When we returned to Selma, we shared the story of our luck at buying the used equipment at Big Top Toys. Immediately, our Associate Julie asked the others if they could donate more money to our playground fund. The next morning, we called Big Top Toys to see if there was any other used equipment for sale. We received the similar response. “We usually don’t handle used items. All our equipment is new.” Then Doug’s gentle voice said, “We happen to have two park style see-saws available.” Off we went to pick up more equipment for the playground. Back in Mosses, we unloaded the playground equipment and began to assemble everything.

The Mayor and Council Members purchased 10 bags of cement for the playground, and the local town members showed up to help put the park together. Even Councilwoman Annie Grant helped rake the newly cut grass. The Town of Mosses Playground Park had become a reality.

By: Pam Leddy I thank God for the opportunity to assist the Sisters. This trip gave me a chance to get to know my fellow travelers on a deeper level as we prayed, worked and laughed together.

This was my second trip to Alabama. I tutored 5th grade students at Central Elementary School. Although I am not a teacher, I tried my best to help these students. Some information I observed or learned about the school system: • There are not enough books for each child. They work from their books in class and then leave them in the desks for the other 5th grade class to use. This means they cannot bring any books home to study.

• The children are responsible for sweeping the classroom and cleaning the bathrooms.

• Only one in four will graduate from high school.

I never saw any child bully another child, nor did I see any fights. On the contrary, I saw students patiently helping slower students. Although the students have very little, one girl quietly passed me a Jolly Rancher candy. They were very happy to receive the pencil erasers I gave them. I asked one of the students if anyone else ever came to the school to help and he said “no.” I treasure the memory of the sweet faces of the students I worked with.

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At Journey’s End Sister Mary Wilhelmine Tikva, OSF October 19, 1911 - January 28, 2013

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ister Mary was born in 1911 to Adam and Mary Tikva and was the oldest of eight children. She was a constant companion to her mother who was often in poor health and an eager assistant to her industrious father whose home brewery and beer garden provided her with a lifetime of tales to tell. As a young girl, she attended Holy Family School, always grateful for the education she received from the Sisters of Notre Dame. As a teenager and young adult, she contributed to the well-being of her family by working for seven years in a clothing factory. Treasuring her Croatian immigrant roots and eager to know more of her family background, she accompanied her mother on a memorable trip to Yugoslavia at her father’s initiative. During her journey, she met loved ones whom she would never forget, embraced traditional customs and cherished special foods and clothing. Yet, she became painfully aware of the realities that had led her parents to immigrate to the United States in their youth. Declining a proposal for marriage, she came to a deeper awareness of her American identity and the future that awaited her upon her return to the United States.

Ever confident in the power of the Holy Spirit at work in her life, Mary remained attentive to the grace she received one day, a grace that built upon her mother’s loving example, the witness of her eighth-grade teacher, Sister Waltrude, her own personal prayer and devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux, and a chance encounter with two Joliet Franciscans on the front steps of Holy Family church.

Unusual as it may seem in today’s world, Mary’s vocation to religious life was confirmed instantaneously after a brief interaction with Sister Virginia and Sister Valentine, whose words of invitation and encouragement set in motion a lifealtering decision to become a Sister of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.

such great delight became the very ministry that instructed her in the mystery of letting go. Reflecting on her life, she observed: “After 46 years, it was difficult to let go of my first ministry of making habits for my Sisters. But I discovered through this ‘letting go’ what is yet unfinished; I’m still in the process of getting my soul and life in order.”

Known for her smiling face and her lilting laugh, Sister Mary was an example of joy within and beyond the borders of community life. She was a woman of constant prayer and devotion to the Eucharist and made a sacrament of daily life.

In a letter written to Sisters she believed to be in need of support and encouragement, Sr. Mary wrote the following words: “Be assured of my thanks and prayers, my continual prayers. May God give you strength with dreaming. May God give you hope, peace and perseverance to accomplish his holy plan. God love you!”

Sister Mary Wilhelmine Tikva, OSF died peacefully on January 28, 2013.

On September 8, 1934, Mary came to Joliet as a postulant and on August 12 of the following year she entered the Novitiate and received the name Sister Mary Wilhelmine.

Two years later, on August 12, she made her first profession of vows and embarked on a life of ministry and service that would continue for 76 more years. Affectionately known as “Willie” by her companion seamstress, Sister Thaddeus, whom she fondly referred to as “Teddy,” Sister Mary Wilhelmine devoted herself to the art and craft of habit-making. She once wrote: “Making habits for our Sisters was most rewarding, to see them at their Receptions, Professions and Jubilees, and to know I had a part in clothing each Sister.” Ironically, the service that brought her Sisters Mary Wilhelmine and Thaddeus (who were known as “Willie” and “Teddy”) made habits for over 46 years.

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At Journey’s End Sister Marian (Louis Marie) Voelker, OSF October 18, 1935 - February 9, 2013

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ister Marian was the sixth of ten children born to Robert and Marian Voelker.

As a child, Marian and her family lived near her Voelker grandparents from whom she acquired an appreciation for “living histories.” Growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois, her inquisitive mind and historical imagination were stirred at an early age as she began to understand life as seen from the banks of the Mississippi River, the railway crossroads of the Midwest and a city that was an urban melting pot of rapid social and economic change. Nurtured in the faith at St. Elizabeth’s Parish and educated by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ at St. Teresa’s Academy, she

was drawn to religious life, yet uncertain as to where her vocational path she envisioned for herself would lead.

In 1953, Sister Marian began her freshman year at the College of St. Francis in Joliet. There, she met the Joliet Franciscan Sisters who inspired in her the confidence necessary to follow the desire of her heart - to set herself at the service of God and the service of others. Resonating with the words of St. Francis of Assisi, Sister Marian took less than a year to proclaim: “This is what I want, this is what I seek, this is what I long to do with all my heart.”

In September of 1954, Sister Marian and her 41 classmates entered the postulancy. A year later, she was received into the novitiate and given the name Sister Louis Marie. Professing her first vows in August, 1957 and her final vows in August, 1960, she devoted herself for 15 years to the ministries of teaching and administration in parish schools in Ohio and Illinois. Sister Marian earned a Master’s degree from the Seraphic Institute of the College of St. Francis. In 1972, after several summers of integrated study, she also completed a Master’s degree in Library Sciences at Rosary

Sister Marian in the “first archives.” They were located on the second floor of the Motherhouse.

College. Although wanting to bring her expertise and love of libraries to the schools where she served, Sister Marian became increasingly aware of her particular suitability and giftedness as an innovative reference librarian. In the light of new ministerial opportunities and emerging needs, she reassessed her life, her sense of mission, her talents and her abilities. Encouraged by those who knew her well, she redirected her energies and efforts to library services in a variety of settings, including the College of St. Francis, the Joliet Public Library, the Motherhouse and the Will County Jail.

In 1975, Sister Francine Zeller, then President of the Congregation and of the LCWR, invited Sister Marian to become the Congregation’s archivist, a position that would enable her not only “to preserve the Congregation’s past and make it accessible for the future,” but also to offer leadership and advice to other Congregations in need of archival assistance.

Sister Marian not only took up the challenges of the times, but for the next 37 years proved to be an enthusiastic, dedicated and incredibly organized archivist. In the process, she also became a chronicler par excellence of the life and times of Mother Alfred Moes and a resourceful researcher for those Franciscan Congregations, institutions and heritage ministries which trace their origins to the legacy of Mother Alfred.

Sister Marian cared deeply for her Congregation which is evidenced in her quest to leave, discover, recover, and uncover every bit of our 148-year history. Under her care, no grave went unmarked, no document or photograph went uncatalogued, no inquiry for information went unaddressed, no accomplishment or honor went unrecorded, no journey home to God went uncommemorated, no Jubilarian went uncelebrated, and no new member or Associate went uninitiated into the mysteries and histories of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate.

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At Journey’s End Sister Rosemary (Mary Robert Therese) Small, OSF June 30, 1935 - February 22, 2013

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orn to Michael and Mary Agnes Small, Sister Rosemary and her twin brother, Robert, amazed their parents as twins can do. Full of wonder and curiosity, she possessed a keen intellect, a gentle sense of humor, a kind heart and a determined spirit.

Welcoming the birth of her dear sister Nancy, she enthusiastically assumed the role of lifelong “big sister” and readily embraced the values of her faith-filled, devoted and hard-working family. Sister Rosemary grew up in Chicago’s south side in the aftermath of the Great Depression. Her childhood was lived amidst the uncertainties and insecurities of a world at war. Mindful of her own Irish heritage and immigrant roots, she learned from an early age to be attentive to issues of justice and human dignity.

Making the most of every opportunity made available to her at Sacred Heart Parish, Rosemary attached herself with affection to the Joliet Franciscan Sisters who fostered in her a growing sense of her own vocation to religious life.

At the age of 13, Sister Rosemary set the course for her future as a Sister of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. Enrolling at St. Francis Academy in Joliet in 1949, she became an aspirant at “the Prep,” where she came to know lifelong friends and companions, some of whom would still be present at her side 65 years later. She entered the Postulancy on September 2, 1952, and was received into the Novitiate a year later and given the name of Sister M. Robert Therese.

She professed her first vows on August 12, 1955, and made her final vows on August 13, 1958. Sister Rosemary possessed a passion for teaching and learning. She creatively engaged the imaginations of her students and exemplified a rare ability for setting young hearts and minds on fire with visions of a future full of hope. Transitioning from the role of teacher to principal, Sister Rosemary’s abilities for administrative leadership and institutional innovation continued to be demonstrated as she moved into positions of ever-increasing levels of responsibility in higher education. She then served on the Governing Board of the Congregation for ten years. During those years, she contributed greatly to the vitality of the Congregation. In 1998, she became the Vice-President of Mission Integration and Ministry at the University of St. Francis. Sister Rosemary’s way of proceeding gave visible expression to the three practical and profoundly spiritual convictions that oriented her life: “When one says ‘yes,’ a totality evolves;” “I can, therefore, I must;” and “I am a student of life.”

was known and admired for her integrated repertoire of knowledge and experience. A formidable interpreter of the “signs of the times,” she was truly a renaissance woman.

Tireless in her countless efforts to infuse Franciscan spirituality and the charism of Mother Alfred Moes into all of her ministerial undertakings, Rosemary repeatedly found ways of identifying unmet needs and “putting in place something where previously there had been nothing.”

In her early forties, she did everything in her power to set limits on the imposing presence of multiple sclerosis that made its unwelcomed way into so many aspects of her life.

Sharing with Saints Francis and Clare the experience of living with bodily limitations, Rosemary believed that her life was in the hands of God. Giving the gift of joy to all who cared for her, she navigated through the storms of life and survived the sadness of dreams deferred.

Years before, when asked how one continues to move forward into an unknown future with confidence, she responded simply and straightforwardly: “Seek the face of God.”

Enriched by her years of graduate study and ongoing research at various colleges and instutions, Sister Rosemary

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Sister Rosmary Small (front row, second from the left) with her Jubilee class.

Mark Your Calendars IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER

Prayer Evenings The Sisters and Associates host Prayer Evenings at 7PM on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Joliet Franciscan Center (JFC), 1433 Essington Road in Joliet. Join them for an hour of prayer and reflection. Topics are posted on our website and on Facebook. For more information, please call 815-725-8735.

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. These events are for both men and women and are held at the Joliet Franciscan Center, 1433 Essington Road in Joliet. There is a suggested donation of $10.00. Dates for the balance of 2013 are: - Wednesday, July 17th, 7 AM - Wednesday, September 18th, 7 AM

“Recess for Moms” This is a new program held during the school and year and is offered to mothers with school age children. Topics have been suggested by the moms.

Dates in 2013 are: - Wednesday, September 18th, 9:30 AM - Wednesday, October 16th, 9:30 AM - Wednesday, November 13th, 9:30 AM - Wednesday, December 11th, 9:30 AM

24th Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast Sunday, October 27th at 3:00 PM Celebrate with us at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. The Mother Alfred Moes Award will be presented to Roberta Spencer and Thomas Garlitz; the Joliet Franciscan Heritage Award will be presented to the Joliet Area Community Hospice. 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. More information at 815-725-8735, x116.

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

As part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, individuals who are 70 ½ years of age or older may make a charitable contribution in 2013 directly from an IRA of up to $100,000 without paying income tax on the IRA funds.

Limitations on the provision include: • The donor must be age 70 ½ or older.

• Caps on annual IRAs are limited to $100,000.

• Contributions must be made as a direct gift to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate (not as a planned gift).

For more information, please contact your financial professional. You may also call the Mission Advancement Office for the Sisters of St. Francis at 815-725-8735.

SIGN UP FOR E-NEWS! “News from the Joliet Franciscan Sisters” is sent monthly by email to keep you up to date with the latest happenings. If you like to be added to list, please send your name and email to Nan Nagl, Director of Mission Advancement at nnagl@jolietfranciscans. org. You may also sign up through our website homepage at www.jolietfranciscans.org.

HELP US UPDATE Do we have your current address? Are you receiving duplicate copies? Do you know someone 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.

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1433 Essington Road Joliet, IL 60435-2873

You’re Invited!

24th Annual Franciscan Autumn Feast October 27, 2013 Bolingbrook Golf Club

Raffles - Silent Auction 3:00 pm (More information at: 815-725-8735)

Visit us at: www.jolietfranciscans.org Photos are from our 2013 Jubilee Weekend

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