Sylvania Franciscan magazine - Spring 2023

Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio

Sylvania Franciscan

Spring Is Coming to Sylvania!

Sisters Brenda Rose Szegedy and Nancy Surma find supporting others in their ministries in multiple ways. Pages 4 & 8.

News&Notes

Many thanks to our Gala supporters! Page 3.

Preserving

Leadership

The Sylvania Franciscan newsletter is a publication of the Congregational Advancement Office of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio

Sister Nancy Linenkugel, OSF Congregational Minister

Sister Shannon Schrein, OSF Assistant Congregational Minister

Sister Rebecca Rutkowski, OSF Councilor/Congregational Treasurer

Sister Valerie Grondin, OSF Councilor/Congregational Secretary

Eileen Kerner Director of Sisters of St. Francis Foundation Office

419-824-3625

ekerner@sistersosf.org

Teri Bockstahler

Editor Director of Communications and Marketing

419-824-3627

tbockstahler@sistersosf.org

Contributing Writers

Elizabeth Reiter

Sister Mary Thill

Sister Brenda Rose Szegedy

Sister Nora Klewicki

God Is Giving Us a Gift With Each and Every EncounterGraced

It was two years ago in spring 2021 when we Sylvania Franciscans held our more recent every-four-year governance meeting. A clear focus at that gathering was our Mission Statement and on how we continue to live it out. Joyfully we set forth this mission proclamation: “Unfolding Our Future Through Graced Encounters!”

Graced encounters are all around us. The encounter part is simply any connection, conversation, greeting, message, or happening. The graced part is where it all gets elevated to something significant or memorable or inspiring.

Making an encounter graced is easy to do simply by being open to how – in whatever the encounter is – you can see God at work. We each have encounters all day long, every day. We Sylvania Franciscans are deliberately seeing encounters with new lenses of openness. God is giving us a gift in each encounter. We choose to go deeper in reverencing each other and creation through those encounters.

This magazine focuses on many examples of living out Graced Encounters. We feature Sisters in ministry whose daily work is total encounter. We feature our 2023 Jubilarians whose admirable lives continue to show forth Graced Encounters through their faithfulness. We feature partners in ministry who share in our mission and represent Graced Encounters of their own.

Thank you for reading. Thank you also for all the many ways you show graced encounters back to us, including by your own generosity and friendship.

Blessings always.

Mission

Sister Nancy Linenkugel, OSF Congregational Minister

Called like Francis of Assisi to live the Gospel in joyful servanthood among all people, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, as messengers of peace, commit themselves to works that reverence human dignity, embrace the poor and marginalized, and respect the gift of all creation.

News Notes

&

Annual Gala Raises $155,000

The Sylvania Franciscan Gala on Saturday, September 24, 2022 raised funds to support the Sylvania Franciscan Ministries.

Honorary Chair, Charles Kundschier, is the great-great nephew of Sylvania Franciscan founder, Mother Adelaide Sandusky. Charles and his wife, Mary Ellen traveled from Minnesota to attend the Gala.

The St. Francis Award was given to:

Chuck Ellison, a long-time resident of the Brazos Valley in TX and a member of the Corporate Integrity Committee of St. Joseph Regional Health System since 2010. He currently serves on the boards of St. Joseph

St. Francis Sponsors

CommonSpirit Health Program Solutions Group

Mother Adelaide Sponsors

Dynamic Campus

Hylant

Donna O’Connell

Trinity Health System

Assisi Sponsors

Brown Advisory

Eileen and Kevin Kerner

LCG

Macquarie Asset Management Shumaker

Health System and CHI Texas Division in Houston, a part of CommonSpirit Health.

Paz Valdez recieved the St. Clare Award. She has been a Sylvania Franciscan Associate for 18 years and has worked at Rosary Care Center for 23 years, sharing her gentle presence and reverence for each resident.

A second St. Clare Award was given to Deidra Lashley, a social worker by profession, and wellknown advocate for domestic abuse survivors in Northwest Ohio. She has been the Executive Director of Bethany House Toledo since 2013. Bethany House is a transitional shelter for domestic violence victims and their children operating in Toledo since 1984.

Signature Bank, LLC

Kathleen and Edward Walczak

Jana and Michael Whitmore

San Damiano Sponsors

Stephen P. Bazeley, MD

Buckeye Broadband

Lorraine Caserta

CHI St. Joseph Health

Chuck Ellison

Dolly and Dick Flasck

Rev. Terence J. Hamilton

Heidelberg Distributing

Darlene Johnson

Lincoln Financial

Namay Dentistry

Oblates of St. Francis De Sales, Inc.

Harvey Popovich, MD

Sophia Center, Inc.

Spooner Risk Control

TCW

Wisniewski Funeral Home

Carolyn Lake Yenrick and David Yenrick

Congregational Minister, Sister Nancy Linenkugel with award winners Paz Valdez, Chuck Ellison and Deidra Lashley at the 2022 Gala.

Inviting God In

Ministry Spiritualof Companioning

by Sister Brenda Rose Szegedy, OSF

Sister Brenda Rose Szegedy recognizes that her ministry of spiritual companioning has been both gift and call throughout her years as a Sylvania Franciscan Sister. For 37 years she served as retreat minister and spiritual director at four different retreat centers.

In the Fall of 2022 she retired from her position as member of the preaching team with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN. In relocating to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis, Sister Brenda Rose continues to share her gifts as spiritual companion among her Sisters in Community and others in the surrounding area.

I see each day as a graced opportunity to welcome God in every form, to be open to the unexpected, and to trust in each person’s growth in God’s grace. In my living room at Convent Park where I receive guests, there is a lovely painting on the front wall depicting three figures walking together on the road to Emmaus. For me, this painting based on the story of Emmaus in Luke’s Gospel, is a fitting symbol of spiritual companioning, a reminder that Jesus is always the Center and the bond of our encounters with one another as we grapple with the deeper mysteries of life.

In the beginning of the Emmaus story, the Risen Jesus appears as a simple traveler when he joins the two disciples on their walk to Emmaus. In accompanying them he meets them as they are, inviting them to share their story, their hopes and dreams, their confusion and grief. Jesus listens at length with an intent to

understand. He believes in their potential to grow beyond their past as they sort out and sift through the recent happenings in their lives.

Jesus then moves them to a deeper place as he breaks open the Word already planted in their hearts. A gradual awakening to God’s grace is already happening in the hearts of these disciples. Their moment of joyous recognition occurs later in the “breaking of the bread.”

Nothing is ever the same after an encounter with God! The disciples turn around, back to the waiting community to be bearers of hope as they proclaim all they had seen and heard.

I recall several years ago when I was grappling with a significant loss, a friend offered me a precious gem of wisdom found in a simple cartoon of the local newspaper, “We are here to walk one another home.” For me this is the heart of spiritual companioning,

walking one another home trusting our God who walks with us.

My ministry takes place in a variety of settings, in someone’s residence, in a room at Our Lady of Grace Hall or Rosary Care Center, on a bench in the park, around a table, in an office, on the phone, in an email or at a zoom session. I am deeply grateful for all those persons who have given me the honor of accompanying them on the Emmaus Road of life! It is truly a mutual blessing.

In the listening and in the sharing, Jesus is always doing something new! Recently I was in a conversation with Lynn who had been grappling with several painful losses. Lynn shared a graced moment of awakening that turned her life around. It took place one afternoon as she glanced up from her walk and noticed a lush green leafy stem emerging through a crack in a brick wall. “If God can do that,” Lynn said, there’s hope for me!”

Some questions to ponder as you walk your Emmaus Road:

What is the most significant thing happening in your life now?

Where is God stretching you beyond yourself?

How do you experience the Cross in your life?

What is the something new Jesus wants to do in you at this time?

Sister Brenda Rose (right) walking with friend, Sister Diana Lynn Eckel.

“We are here to walk one another home. For me this is the heart of spiritual companioning, walking one another home trusting our God who walks with us.”

Sisters Extraordinaire!

On the 27th World Day of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis declared the special role Sisters have in the Catholic Church, working together to share the message of Jesus. We all know how important it is to us, our families and the impact on our lives today. We are truly grateful for the past and present Franciscan Sisters who shared themselves through ministry.

In this issue of the Franciscan Magazine, we take this opportunity to share with all of you some of the heartfelt ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis. Ministry is the responsibility of all Christians, and what makes the Sisters stand out is they are leaders in the action of ministry.

Sister Nora shares a brief but impactful history of the Sylvania Franciscans and their commitment to ministry from the very beginning 107 years ago. Sister Nancy Surma and Sister Brenda Rose bring us the knowledge that ministry is always growing and needed.

Today does not tell us what the needs are for tomorrow, but active ministry helps sets the foundation for growth for those who are blessed by the ministry. While no one does ministry to receive a reward, financial support is always needed to allow the ministry to grow.

So, as we continue to explore our personal commitment to ministry in our own lives, keep in mind the ministries of the Sylvania Franciscans, who have dedicated over a century to making a difference in the lives of others.

We are forever grateful to you for your past dedication in the support of the mission and ministries to the Sylvania Franciscans. Please consider joining us in partnership that continues to make the lives special for those served through our ministries.

In the Spirit of St. Francis and Clare, Director of Congregational Advancement SOSF Foundation Office ekerner@sistersosf.org Foundation Office

Thank You

Through the generous support of friends, family and benefactors, the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, have been blessed with the resources to continue their mission and ministries. To see the complete list of donors, go to our website, https://sistersosf.org/ wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DonorListing-2022.pdf

Thank you for your support!

Ask Paul Hood

Thank you again for your questions that I answer in this article.

An envelope is attached for your convenience. Thank you in advance for your prayerful support.

Sylvania Franciscan Associates

Consider becoming a Sylvania Franciscan Associate and follow the way of St. Francis of Assisi, who spent his life walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Contact Co-Directors, Sister Nancy Ferguson; or Kristine Moline 419-824-3827, nferguson@sistersosf.org, kmoline2@sistersosf.org.

Could you please discuss the practical effects of this new law on retirement plan and IRA account holders and beneficiaries?

Q A

Gladly. SECURE 2.0 continues significant revisions to the Code sections that impact estate planning with qualified retirement plans and regular Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) that began in 2019 with passage of the SECURE Act. Actually, 2022 saw two significant developments affecting estate planning with qualified retirement plans and IRAs.

The first development was a highly

Sisters of St. Francis Foundation Receives a Gift of Gratitude

Memories and relationships develop over the years and our hearts and spirits are touched by those who have been part of our lives.

This was certainly the case with Thomas A. Kurzawa, a longtime resident of Hamtramck MI. He attended St. Ladislaus School (K – 12) staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania. Thomas became a donor to our congregation in 2010, always remembering individual Sisters who had taught at St. Ladislaus. The donations were not out of the ordinary, but certainly in gratitude to the Sisters who had shaped his life. Thomas never married. He served in the military and upon his death was buried in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. The Sisters received the American Flag used at his military funeral, and it is presently displayed in the Umbria lobby.

As an expression of heartfelt gratitude to the Sisters upon his death, Thomas gave an estate gift to our congregation. Through his gift, Thomas created a lasting legacy that reflected his life and provides for a sustainable future for us ensuring that we have the resources to continue

our Franciscan mission for generations to come. “In all my conversations with Tom, he was concerned about the Sisters,” stated Eileen Kerner, Congregational Advancement Director.

If you have any questions regarding bequests, estate planning, legacy gifts, or gifts to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, please feel free to contact our Congregational Advancement/Foundation Director, Eileen Kerner. She can be reached at 419-824-3625 or ekerner@sistersosf.org.

We are grateful to each of you who support us through sharing memories, your phone calls, and your gifts. May you continue to be blessed as you journey with us, supporting our mission and ministries.

In the spirit of Francis and Clare,

Sister Theresa Darga Advancement – Donor Relations tdarga@sistersosf.org

419-517-8961

anticipated set of Treasury Regulations interpreting the 2019 SECURE Act (and more are expected), and the second development was the SECURE Act 2.0 of 2022 (SECURE 2.0). In this issue, I’ll only focus on the highlights of SECURE 2.0.

SECURE 2.0 made the following tweaks to the law (this isn’t an exhaustive list of the 92 changes that SECURE 2.0 made):

1. Increases the age for beginning to take out RMDs. The new required beginning date (RBD), i.e., the age by which the beneficiary must begin taking RMDs annually into income or

face a significant penalty, is increased. Section 107 of SECURE 2.0 increases the required minimum distribution age to 73, beginning on January 1, 2023—and to 75, beginning in 2033. Specifically, the RMD age increases to 73 for individuals turning 72 after Dec. 31, 2022, and before Jan. 1, 2033. It will increase to 75 for individuals turning 74 after Dec. 31, 2032.

2. Reduces the former 50% penalty for failure to take RMD timely to 25%, and if the account participant or beneficiary timely makes the late RMD within time limits, the penalty is further reduced to 10%.

3. Permitted penalty-free withdrawals for emergency expenses.

4. Spousal beneficiaries may treat inherited accounts as their own.

5. Expansion of the so-called Catch-Up Contribution Limits and indexing them for inflation, which allow qualifying participants to contribute more than the regular upper annual limits.

6. Expanded penalty-free access to retirement funds.

The delayed RBD change is effective now. Surviving spouses don’t have to do anything to get the delayed RBD, if applicable.

L. Paul Hood, Jr., JD, LL.M., CFRE, FCEP, is an author, speaker and consultant on estate and charitable planning issues. He serves as a freelance advisor for the Sylvania Franciscans. Paul also works with Thompson & Associates in Toledo, OH to assist charitable organizations and work with their donors on values-based estate planning.

The flag from Thomas A. Kurzawa is presently displayed in the Umbria lobby.

Welcome Ukrainian Refugees Sylvania Franciscans

Local Agencies and Volunteers also Lend a Hand

“Let us treat others with the same passion and compassion with which we want to be treated. Let us seek for others the same possibilities which we seek for ourselves. Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us.”

This quote from Pope Francis was an inspiration to the Sisters of St. Francis Refugee Action Committee because members have had concerns for the world-wide refugee crisis for a number of years. Once the Sisters decided that a house they no longer needed as a residence for themselves should be used for refugees, they sprang into action. During 2022, the SOSF Refugee Action Committee hosted a family from Afghanistan who were evacuated from Kabul during the American withdrawal. By the end of the year, they began planning for a new family in 2023.

“We were prepared to host one family, but after Alona Matchenko, co-founder of Toledo Helps Ukraine made an impassioned plea for us to consider two families, we

Address of Pope Francis to a joint meeting of the United States Congress, September 24, 2015.

(Third from right) Sister Pat Gardner, Refugee Action Committee member, Mechelle Zarou, Chief People and Culture Officer for the Sisters of St. Francis, and Borys Dzhanaiev, Ukrainian native, welcome the Siredzhuk family as they arrive at the Deroit airport.

prayed over her request and decided hosting another family was important,” explained Sister Nancy Surma, Refugee Action Committee Chair.

The first family of six flew into the Detroit airport on February 3, 2023. Sylvania Franciscans were there to greet them and bring them to the Welcome House, as the Sisters call their former residence. This family has three girls and one boy, from ages 10 – 13.

The second family of four arrived a week later, and is living in a rented duplex in Toledo. “It is quite difficult for people to get started in the U.S. when they have no rental or credit history, and haven’t found a job yet,” commented Sister Nancy. Fortunately, a long-time Toledoan and St. Francis de Sales High School graduate was willing to take a chance on the family.

“Water for Ishmael, a local organization which offers English classes to new community members from foreign lands, has been very supportive as we work to give family members the foundational skills that can change their lives. Learning English for Ukrainians can be extra challenging because they use the Cyrillic alphabet,” said Sister Nancy. Members from the Bavarian Sports Club of Toledo have also been very helpful in the preparation and welcoming efforts.

A great volunteer circle of people has lent a hand thus far, donating furniture and household objects and offering rides to the store, church, and to English classes. The goal of the Sisters is to ease the families’ adjustments to our country, supporting them when everything is so new, and setting them on the road to independence. All are so grateful for shelter and kindness outside of a war zone.

“When I see the news and the horrible things that are happening in Ukraine, I feel a bit of peace and energy knowing that we are actually making a difference for a few

Support for Ukrainian Refugees

For anyone interested in supporting the Sisters of St. Francis as they help families from Ukraine, please use the link below which will take you to the Ukraine 2023 Ministry Outreach donation page: https://ukrainianfamily.givesmart.com/

Integrating the Values of Francis and Clare

In her new role as Mission Integration Director for the Sisters of St. Francis, Sister Nancy orients employees to the history and legacy of the Sylvania Franciscans and helps them understand that the values of St. Francis and St. Clare shape decisions and actions taken by the community.

Sister Nancy has been guiding mission integration efforts in healthcare since 2006 when she started within the healthcare system the Sisters owned at the time. When Sylvania Franciscan Health became part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) in 2014 and later merged with another Catholic system to become CommonSpirit Health in 2019, she oversaw mission integration in eldercare campuses in seven states until her retirement in 2022.

Sister Nancy Surma

Jubilarians: Celebrating Our Sisters

75th Jubilee

Sister Geraldine Paluszak, OSF

Sister Geraldine, (aka Sister Mark), fondly remembers her Sylvania Franciscan teachers at Nativity School both in class and out, as their joyful presence was part of the neighborhood. She encountered the Sisters again at the Motherhouse when she came with her family to visit her older sister, Sister Aloise. Inspired, Sister Geraldine soon answered her own call by attending St. Clare Academy and, in 1948, making first profession.

Sister’s ministry in education included over ten years at St. Ann’s School in Cincinnati, teaching Microbiology at Central Catholic H.S. in Toledo, and consolidating two schools and then serving as principal of the combined school, Alter Elementary. She ministered as Principal in St. Paul, MN and, while there, took a CPE course and a Renewal experience in San Antonio, TX. Her next call to Ministry was to help consolidate two hospitals in Brenham, TX which became Trinity Medical Center. She served there as Director of Mission Integration and Chaplain for 20 years. She returned home to Sylvania to serve as Mission Integration Director at Rosary Care Center until her retirement in 2014.

Sister Geraldine recently completed a memoir titled “Stories of My Life,” which was a gift from her great niece, Jen. She is well known for her joyful gentle spirit and quiet wisdom. She cherishes this time in her life spent in prayer and reflection, connecting with family and friends and time for her somewhat noisier ministry: cheering on her favorite athletic teams at Lourdes University and the University of Notre Dame.

60th Jubilees

Sister Brenda Rose

Szegedy, OSF

Sister Brenda Rose Szegedy (aka Sister M. Roselinda), inspired by the Sylvania Franciscan Sisters who taught her as well as the faith of her own family, entered the convent from Our Lady Queen of

Heaven School in Detroit, Michigan. She taught for 22 years in elementary schools in Ohio and Michigan. She served for eight years in congregational ministry companioning those in initial and on-going formation and those in Associate relationship with the community. From 1985 until 2022, Sister Brenda Rose was active in retreat ministry and spiritual direction at various spirituality centers in Ohio, New York, Florida and Minnesota. During the past 14 years she served on the preaching team with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN.

In September, 2022 Sister retired to the Motherhouse now sharing her gifts among her Sisters and others in the surrounding area as spiritual companion and retreat minister.

She believes with an ever-deepening conviction that each person’s unfolding story is sacred because God is in every aspect of it. A scriptural verse that impacts her daily life and ministry is, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps 46:10)

Sister Carol Ann Grace, OSF

As a Sylvania Franciscan, Sister Carol Ann Grace (aka Sister Edmund) learned to rely on the prayer of acceptance. She realized early in life that God is in charge and knows what is best for her. “His way proved itself in my vocation, in times of loss and in times of challenge and surprise. In the years ahead, I pray I am open to the opportunities of life in serving others whether it be through ministry, volunteering or whatever life brings,” she says.

Her years in religious life have taken her on a journey that has introduced her to God through many people. She was an elementary school teacher and principal, served the Toledo Diocese as Formation/ Diaconate Director, was a Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education, and served her community as Development Director. She also ministered in Mission Integration, Home Health Care, and as Sacristan of Queen of Peace Chapel where she continues today.

Sister Carol Ann was born in Detroit MI on December 25, hence the name Carol. She came to Sylvania after graduating from St. Ladislaus High School in 1960.

“My life has been enhanced through travel in several countries, something I never thought about in my early life.

Congratulations to the following Sisters on celebrating their special anniversaries this year.

The highlight of my experiences was the pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi in 1990. It truly was life-changing and gave a deeper insight to what it means to be Franciscan,” she adds.

Sister Carol Hoffman, OSF

Sister Carol Hoffman, (aka Sister M. Dismas), entered the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio in 1960 from St. Clement Parish in Toledo. She made her first vows in 1963. While studying as an undergraduate at Bowling Green State University, Sister Carol became involved with the Newman Club Catholic Ministry on campus and realized her vocation.

Sister Carol spent 50 of her 60 years in religious life in the ministry of education. She taught mostly first grade in elementary schools in Ohio, Michigan and Louisiana and was a librarian at elementary schools in Louisiana.

During her 30 years of living in New Orleans, Sister Carol enjoyed living in a melting pot of women religious gathered together from many different communities. She also treasured the people and culture of the South. After returning to Sylvania in 2013, she spent time assisting in digitizing the Sisters’ Spiritual Reading Library, and for the last seven years as Community Archivist.

Sister Geraldine Nowak, OSF

A daughter of Toledo’s Nativity and St. Hyacinth Parishes, Sister Geraldine Nowak, (aka Sister Majella), knew the Sylvania Franciscans well, both as teachers and from the St. Francis Guild where her mother and God-mother were very active. Later, through the passing of both parents, Sister came to understand that material things meant little to her compared to leading a deeply spiritual life as a woman religious.

Sister made first profession in 1963 and began a ministry in education that included teaching primary and secondary school, religious education and serving as a school administrator at Central Catholic H.S. in Toledo. There, she inspired students and teachers with, as former colleague Ken Phillips says, her certainty “that the Divine was always breaking into our lives and her eagerness to know it, name it and embrace it.”

As Sister evolved into pastoral ministry, she served as an associate and leader in parishes. While in long term care and Hospice she served as a spiritual care coordinator and bereavement counselor. Spiritual Direction was another aspect of her ministry. Sister Geraldine’s passion for helping

the poor and marginalized led her to protest injustice, serve in soup kitchens and work alongside the poor and marginalized. Having long ago decided that ‘You can trust Life because the Mystery that surrounds us is Gracious,’ Sister continues to find God in her interactions with people, places and creation itself.

Sister Janet Snyder, OSF

Sister Janet Snyder (aka Sr. M. Francetta) from Toledo, attended St. Ursula Academy and was attracted to religious life. Her mother’s friend took her to see the Sylvania Franciscans. She realized her call in the beauty of the motherhouse grounds and felt drawn to St. Francis. She became a member of the congregation. She taught school in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota before going into pastoral work. After nine years in Toledo, she went to work in a large parish in Detroit. She took a sabbatical in the great southwest and fell in love with its beauty and returned often for retreats. She took art classes at Lourdes College and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art. She says, “The payoff in creating art is that it changes the way you look at things and enhances your enjoyment of them.” As Art Consultant for the Congregation she found it rewarding to preserve the wonderful art in the motherhouse buildings. She now lives in Our Lady of Grace Hall and continues to enjoy art and the people around her.

Sister M. Jeremias Stinson, OSF

Sister M. Jeremias Stinson entered the convent from Immaculate Conception Parish, Port Clinton, Ohio. She taught math in elementary schools in Toledo and Detroit for eight years. After serving as Resident Director for students at St. Clare Academy in Sylvania from 1972 to 1974, she began the restoration of the Portiuncula Chapel on the Motherhouse campus and began the reforestation and land development program for the 55 acres of marshes and woodlands now known as the Canticle of Praise Prayer Garden. She also was instrumental in the building of the two Hermitages on the campus.

Sister Jeremias’s interest in the development of the campus woodlands led her to become a licensed nursery stock propagator, and a certified modern landscape contractor and designer. She is the Coordinator of Environmental Stewardship for the Sisters, a role she has had for 48 years. She and Sister Grace Ellen created the Garden for the Poor on campus in 1992, which led to the establishment of the Year-Round Garden

60th Jubilees (cont.)

polyhouse in 2008. Sister feels that it is very Franciscan to work with the poor.

Sister Jeremias’s other talents include playing the trombone at liturgical celebrations, seeing the outdoors through the eyes of St. Francis, patron of the environment, and regaling others with stories told with humor and detail.

Sister Josephine Dybza, OSF

Sister Josephine Dybza (aka Sister M. Thomas) joined her classmates at St. Clare Academy, Sylvania, Ohio in their junior year, after beginning high school at Central Catholic High School (CCHS), Toledo, Ohio. She was inspired by her teachers, the Sylvania Franciscans, who taught her at St. Hedwig and CCHS. Sister Jo’s parents were first generation Polish immigrants and the gratitude she had for the love shown to her entire family by the Sylvania Franciscan teachers led her to the convent.

Sister Jo spent more than 25 of her 60 years in ministry in the field of education as a teacher and then principal in elementary schools in Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota. She then sought a Certification in Art Therapy which led to ten years ministering to developmentally delayed elders, children with autism and adults with dementia. Eight of those years were spent in a Jewish nursing home where many of the residents were Holocaust survivors.

She felt called to “work with God in Haiti” in 2008 with the support of her community and experience of Sister Fidelis Rubbo. Living with the poor as poor enhanced her moral development. She notes, “Of my many experiences in Haiti, love of the poor was the most important.”

As she reflects on the loving God who has given her so much, she is grateful for her life with her Sisters in community, and offers her gifts to help others.

Sister M. Josina Antolak, OSF

Sister M. Josina Antolak, entered the convent from SS Peter and Paul Parish in Detroit, Michigan. When she entered she wrote on her admission form that she wanted to become a Sylvania Franciscan because “she loved God and wanted to serve him.” That is still her motivation today.

Sister Josina’s 60 years in ministry has varied. She taught in elementary schools in Ohio and Michigan; taught religion and history to high school girls at St. Clare Academy in Sylvania; was the librarian at St. Joseph’s School in Sylvania; was sacristan at the Motherhouse Chapel; was a caregiver for family members and currently does a variety of services for the Sisters in her Community. When asked how she will continue to influence others she says she doesn’t think she does anything special. She just always tries to treat everyone she meets with respect. She’d like to make the Assisi Pilgrimage someday. As she gets older she finds herself in awe of the goodness of so many of the Sisters both living and deceased. Sister Josina tries to live up to her favorite saying, “Judge not and you will not be judged.”

Sister Mary Thill, OSF

Sister Mary Thill (aka Sr. M. Robert Francis) taught elementary school in Ohio and Michigan before moving into healthcare-related ministries. Her love and dedication for the elderly is evident in her work for the last 50 years with elders in a variety of settings. She currently volunteers in the Archives of the Sisters and serves on a few committees. She writes a monthly article for a local health and wellness newspaper and writes a blog for the Sisters website. She also writes the obituaries for the Sisters. At this time in her life, Sister Mary can only pray words of gratitude for all the good God has done in her life. Her Sisters in Community, her family and friends have given her much to reflect on in this precious Diamond Jubilee Year. “Just to be is a blessing, just to live is holy.” (Abraham Joshua Heschel)

Sister Patricia Zielinski, OSF

Sister Patricia Zielinski (aka Sr. Michael Marie) has had a variety of ministries. Relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit she has had a wonderful and beautiful ministry as a Licensed Practical Nurse, Purchasing Agent, Board Certified Chaplain and Director of Mission Integration while working in several hospitals and nursing homes, and as CoDirector of the Marians at Rosary Care Center. All ministries gave her the opportunity to use her gifts of empathy and compassion. She hails from Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish in Detroit, Michigan. Sister Pat’s 60 years of ministry were spent in Nebraska, Ohio and Michigan with a 33 of the years spent in Texas.

She felt greatly loved and respected by the people in the Brazos Valley of Texas, especially in Waco and Brenham where she accomplished many things she never thought would happen in her life. While there, she also served on several boards and in a variety of volunteer services. She even had an unexpected chance to sit in the co-pilot’s seat on a flight in a small plane from College Station to Houston, Texas. She was privileged to make a pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy.

Sister Pat’s favorite prayer is Psalm 23, The Lord is my Shepherd. She tries to live the Gospel and carry out the healing ministry of Jesus by listening with an open ear, a loving heart and a gentle touch as well as being attentive to the needs of those she serves.

50th Jubilee

Sister Patricia Gardner, OSF

Sister Patricia Gardener has had a variety of ministries during her 50 years as a Sylvania Franciscan. Being from Cincinnati, Sister Pat became acquainted with the Sisters of St. Francis at St. Ann’s Catholic School. “I was an altar girl which meant I helped clean the Sacristy. That’s how I got to know the Sisters even better, especially Sister Geraldine Paluszak and Sister Austin Onisko.”

She taught in Ohio and Minnesota for many years and was a principal in Corsicana TX from 1985-2000. Then she was off to Los Lunas NM from 2000-2007, where she was the House Administrator and a House Parent at El Ranchito De Los Ninos, a children’s home in a rural farm setting which provides a permanent home for sibling groups who were separated in foster care. “Every place I’ve been, I’ve left part of my heart because I’ve loved the people and the community,” she explained.

Sister Pat returned to Sylvania to serve in Leadership from 2008-2016 as Treasurer. These days she is busy as a CASA volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and is enjoying her ministry on the Refugee Action Committee. “It’s great getting to know people from other parts of our world. We really need to keep reaching out to those in need. They are people just like we are – who love their country, have hopes and fears too. These experiences certainly have broadened my perspective,” she added.

In Memoriam

Sister La Donna Marie Pinkelman, OSF

Sister La Donna Marie Pinkelman died at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio on November 19, 2022. She came to the convent in Sylvania in 1955 from St. Elizabeth Parish in Berkey, Ohio, attended St. Clare Academy and made her First Profession of Vows in 1961 and her Final Vows in 1966.

During her 61 years as a Syslvania Franciscan, she served the People of God in a variety of ministries. She taught for 15 years in elementary schools in Minnesota and Ohio. For eight years she served in Religious Education in parishes, worked for 12 years in hospital pastoral care and was Director of Mission Integration at Providence Care Center and the Commons in Sandusky, Ohio. She was also involved in retreat work and spiritual direction at the Franciscan Spirituality Center in Sylvania. Sister recorded her many interesting life experiences through her writing of prayers, prose and poetry which a friend had published for her in two small books entitled Franciscan Flowers, Poetry, Prose and Prayer, volume I & II.

Sister Marie Andrée Chorzempa, OSF

Sister Marie Andrée Chorzempa died at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio on February 8, 2023. She came to the convent from Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1939. She made her First Profession in 1945 and her Final Vows in 1948.

Sister Marie Andrée readily assumed many roles over her 77 plus years of service in the Church. With her keen intellect and gentle spirit, she was involved in education from elementary school to high school to college. She held several positions at Lourdes College as teacher, Planetarium Director, Registrar and Academic Dean. She was the President of Lourdes College from 1981-1983.

She was involved in the formation of new members, served as Councilor on the Leadership Team for two terms and as Minister General for two terms. She later worked in parishes in pastoral care, as Vice-President of Mission Integration in one of the Community’s medical centers and then was able to work with disadvantaged children on an Indian Reservation in New Mexico.

In 2004, Sister wrote the history of the Congregation for its upcoming 90th Anniversary in 2006, resulting in Witness to Life in the Spirit, A Theological Reflection on the History of the Sisters.

Read more about these Sisters or send a Jubilee Gift by visiting sistersosf.org

In 2006, Sister worked at re-organizing the Archives with two other Sisters. It was a ten-year project that brought the collection of the history of the Sylvania Franciscans into the 20th Century via technology and archival disciplines.

Ministry Happens When Needs are Met

by Sister Nora Klewicki, OSF

The best way to give an overview of the many ministries of the Sisters of St. Francis is to be clear about just what ministry really is. All too often the word is applied to ordained ministers but this is a limited understanding. Ministry has nothing to do with the authority over others as often exercised by the ordained. The word minister is from the Greek and its original meaning is servant. To minister is to serve in many and varied ways; it is about meeting the needs of others.

Back in 1916, a group of Franciscan Sisters were called from Rochester Minnesota by the Bishop of Toledo to meet the needs of the many Polish immigrant families who had come to the area. Few of them spoke English and all the children needed to be educated. In this case the Sisters responded to a stated need. Two years later those schools and churches were closed to control the pandemic of 1918. No one told those first Sylvania Franciscans to visit the sick and care for them. They recognized a need and responded. Ministry happens when needs are met.

As the years rolled by those two areas of service, education and healthcare, were the dominant ministries of the many women who came to Sylvania. The Sisters staffed both elementary and secondary schools in Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, California, and

Maryland. They built and staffed hospitals in Ohio, Michigan, Texas, and Louisiana.

People in need are not only in classrooms and hospital beds. The stresses of our society impact many people and have generated a multiplicity of other concerns and require more flexible and even creative responses. Many Sisters opted to engage in various parish ministries. Sisters served as liturgists, directors of religious education and grief counselors. They organized support groups for the divorced and separated members of the parish, small Christian communities and set up food pantries. On a diocesan level, Sisters served as educational supervisors, directors of social justice programs and adult education programs. Hospital and nursing home ministries were expanded from the traditional ministry of nursing to chaplaincy and mission integration. Some Sisters have served as administrators, college presidents and college teachers and prison chaplains. Why so many tasks? Why such a variety of ministries? Because each act of service was needed, and each response was given with generosity.

Today, many of the ministries are termed voluntary—but they are still varied and valuable. Parish ministries continue, care for the poor continues, ministry to the elderly continues. The mandates of the twenty fifth chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel are forever.

Sister Rosalma Kmiec takes a stand against Human Trafficking.

Franciscan Focus

Art spotlight

Framing History

Jackie Rousseau Werner, through her family business, became acquainted with many Toledo-area art lovers, collectors and artists themselves, including Mother Adelaide Sandusky, founder of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania. The shop was also known for their art preservation work. Jackie retired in 2000 after turning over Deluxe Frame Shop to her son and grandson. When Mother Adelaide first contacted Deluxe Frame Shop it was over 60 years ago and Jackie was about 30 years old. “Back then, the main building, St. Clare Hall had a long corridor with black and white artwork which is where our work began. In the 1960s museum quality

framing was just beginning and Mother Adelaide wanted the art to be well-preserved.

“Mother Adelaide showed us the art, all of the Della Robia’s she had brought back from Italy and even shared the plans for the Queen of Peace Chapel which had not been built yet,” Jackie remembered.

Jackie would bring frames to Mother Adelaide to choose from and the handy man at the time, Gene Fondren, did all of the hanging. “My impression of her was that she was in charge. She was so sweet, walking us through the whole place and I can’t imagine she had an unkind word for anyone. She was a real gem,” Jackie added.

Right, this engraving (framed by Deluxe Frame Shop), was purchased in 1929 by Mother Adelaide from the Regia Calcografia de Roma in Italy. The engraving was done by Joannes Volpato, based on “The School of Athens” fresco by Italian Renaissance artist, Raphael around 1510.

Below, Mother Mary Adelaide (left) standing next to Mother Justinian, talks with the installer about the Stations of the Cross in Queen of Peace Chapel.

Highlighting the natural beauty, art, architecture and programs that adorn the Sylvania Franciscan campus.

Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio 6832 Convent Blvd.

Sylvania, Ohio 43560

sistersosf.org

facebook.com/sylvaniafranciscans

Quiet Places Prayer&Reflection for

The Sisters of St. Francis offer two Hermitages on campus for individuals seeking a quiet place for prayer and reflection. In the spirit of St. Francis, the Hermitages provide a setting for contemplation and renewal. Length of stay can be as short as one day or as long as six. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Sister Nora Klewicki, 419-824-3528, nklewicki@sistersosf.org.